Party urges government to declare state of emergency in agriculture over prolonged rain

The Greens and Farmers Union (ZZS) plans to call on Latvia's governing coalition parties on September 28 to decide on declaring a state of emergency in agriculture. The reason is prolonged, intense rainfall that is hampering the sowing of areas intended for winter crops.

What the declaration would allow

According to the party, a state of emergency does not by itself trigger automatic compensation payments. Its practical benefit would be giving the state the ability to respond more quickly with special measures and relief tailored to the consequences of the adverse weather. Depending on the specific decisions taken, this could include more flexible deadlines and requirements, the possibility for farmers to justify unmet obligations due to bad weather, and targeted financial support to offset losses.

ZZS says farmers currently need clarity and practical government support, stressing that when weather conditions prevent necessary field work, farmers should not be left facing additional financial strain. The party argues that declaring an emergency would let the state react quickly and in a targeted way to the situation.

Municipalities already acting

The announcement follows decisions by several local governments. On September 17, the Ventspils municipal council unanimously voted at an emergency session to ask the Cabinet of Ministers to declare a state of emergency in agriculture across the municipality for 12 months. The decision cited prolonged unfavorable weather and heavy precipitation that has significantly affected farmland conditions, farmers' ability to harvest this year's crops, and their ability to carry out necessary autumn fieldwork. Heavy rainfall has sharply raised soil moisture and water levels in local bodies of water.

The municipality says the critical situation has not ended, warning that autumn weather could further complicate harvesting and preparing fields for next season.

On Thursday, the Kuldīga municipal council made a similar decision, also asking the government to declare a state of emergency in agriculture within its territory for 12 months.