Farmer Agnese Gulbe from Rundāle wins "Sējējs" Public Recognition Award

During a month-long online public vote for the "Sējējs 2026" agricultural competition, the public chose their favorite among all competition participants. A total of 40,343 votes were cast, and the winner, with 9,807 votes, was Agnese Gulbe, owner of the "Jaunapšenieki" farm in Bauska municipality's Rundāle parish. She was a nominee in the "Farm of the Year" category and received the special Public Recognition Award.

Berries, tea and a family legacy

Gulbe's farm grows blackberries, strawberries, sea buckthorn and various tea plants, which are turned into teas, syrups, jams and other products. The farm operates next to her father Aivars Gulbis's farm "Silenieki", established in 1992. Agnese took over management of "Jaunapšenieki" after her brother Kaspars passed away, choosing to return to Latvia to continue the work he had started.

The farm's products now reach customers both in Latvia and abroad, while its daily life on TikTok is followed by 23,000 people. Agnese plans to keep expanding the product range, and a small shop is currently being built at the farm where people will eventually be able to buy products and experience the farm in person.

Upon receiving the award, Gulbe thanked her parents for instilling a strong work ethic and love for the land, as well as everyone who voted and nominated the farm for the competition.

Other competition winners

Competition laureates were honored in eight categories this year. "Farm of the Year" went to AS "Pampāļi", "Food Production Company of the Year" to SIA "Skrīne", and "Rural Family" to Mārīte Mežiniece's family from Preiļi municipality. Professor Daina Jonkus of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies was honored for lifetime achievement in agriculture. Winners receive bronze statuettes, a diploma and a cash prize.