Young farmers from Latvian rural clubs learn agriculture and business skills this summer

Summer is not just about rest for members of the Latvian rural youth organization “Latvijas Mazpulki”. This year, 68 children and adolescents from 20 regions are growing three varieties of onions – red, yellow, and shallots. The harvest will be sold in Maxima stores in autumn. Participants range from 7 to 19 years old, and the project aims to strengthen practical entrepreneurship skills.

Viktorija Sarkane from the Ērģeme 687th club is involved in two projects: growing onions and the “From Seed to Apple Tree” project. She hopes to harvest apples from her own trees in a few years. Club leader Ilze Pētersone emphasizes that children learn that there are no results without work. Onion plantings are often damaged by birds, and children find solutions themselves.

In autumn, the harvest is evaluated – children go to the “Ezerkauliņi” farm to determine which produce is suitable for sale. The yield is weighed and recorded with each child's name, teaching responsibility. Children take special joy in knowing that their products reach buyers elsewhere in Latvia.

Besides onions, club members work on other projects. Adrian Pavļišins from Kārķi club raises chickens and keeps records of income and expenses. Other projects include “Fix, Don't Throw Away!”, “Digital Club Member”, and apple participatory breeding. Some seeds did not germinate, but children plan to try again next year.

The clubs also organize camps and seminars. From June 30 to July 2, a seminar “New Leader in Rural Areas” will be held at Vadakste Manor, with participants from Valka region. From July 6 to 12, the international camp “Discover Latvia” will take place in Kārķi, bringing together children from Latvia and diaspora. The camp aims to strengthen ties with Latvia and form new friendships. In Kuldīga region, Alsunga, the camp “I Do Everything with Joy” will run from July 13 to 17.