Winners of "Sējējs 2026" agriculture competition honored in Riga

On Saturday, September 19, a ceremony at the "Hanzas perons" cultural center in Riga announced the winners of the Ministry of Agriculture's "Sējējs 2026" ("Sower 2026") competition. Held for the 33rd time this year, the contest is considered one of the most significant events in Latvia's agricultural sector, with awards presented across nine categories.

Agriculture Minister Uldis Augulis addressed the ceremony, emphasizing agriculture's role in national security and noting that a country's ability to feed its own population is a key part of being strong and independent.

The winners

The top honor, "Lifetime Achievement in Agriculture," went to Daina Jonkus, a professor at the Institute of Animal Sciences at the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies. "Farm of the Year" was awarded to AS "Pampāļi," while SIA "Skrīne" won "Food Production Company of the Year." In the "Family on the Farm" category, the Mežiniece family, led by Mārīte Mežiniece, of the "Laima" farm in Aglona parish, Preiļi municipality, was recognized.

Žanis Agafonovs of the "Cerība" farm won the title "Young Successful Farmer," while SIA "Rimi Latvia" was named "Local Food Retailer of the Year." The "Organic Farm" award went to SIA "Lāses AM tīršķirnes gaļas liellopu saimniecība 'Kolumbi'." SIA "MetWorks" together with the association "SATEKA" received the "LEADER Project of the Year" award, and the 752nd Ludza young farmers' club (Mazpulks) won the "Tomorrow's Sower" category.

A month before the ceremony, a public vote was also held online, drawing 40,343 participants. Agnese Gulbe won with 9,807 votes and received the special Public Recognition Award.

As is tradition, all winners received a bronze "Sējējs" statuette, a diploma, and a cash prize.