In agriculture, in general and in plant production, in particular one of the major sectors is production of cereals. Providing the country with a sufficient amount of cereals contributes to strengthening of its independence.  Production of cereals is particularly import for animal husbandry as neither branch of animal husbandry can exist without cereals. Particularly important production of cereals is for pig breeding and poultry farming. The year 2013 was the second distinguished year after 2012 for cereal producers. In 2013, the total yield of cereals reached 1948.7 thsd. t that is by 175.8 thsd. t less than in 2012. 32.6% of areas are under cereals, the yield was at least 4 t per ha. As usual, the highest yields were obtained from winter cereals in Zemgale region. Zemgale region is characteristic for considerably higher yields than other regions, as a result, almost ~ 40% of the total yield of cereals in Latvia is being produced in Zemgale region. After Zemgele, the next major producer of cereals is Kurzeme region. Lately, cereals are used not only for animal husbandry and food production but also in production of alternative energy, including heat production.

Areas under cereals, total yields and productiveness in Latvia (2011-2013)
Source: Central Statistical Bureau

In 2013, oilseed rape sown area increased (9.1%) however, as compared with a successful 2012, an average productiveness of oilseed rape has dropped. Thanks to enlargement of sown areas, the total yield has stayed on the level of the previous year. Basically, cereal production farms are engaged in growing of oilseed rapes because soil cultivation technologies, cereal sowing and harvesting machinery is similar to that needed for oilseed rape. However, there is a certain risk, as crop rotation on these farms goes between two crops – oilseed rape and wheat, and oilseed rape is being sown on one and the same field every second year or every 2-3 years, at best. This can lead to a situation that in a long run, oilseed rape can be affected by clubroot, resulting in a sharp reduction in yields. It is forecasted that next summer, spring oilseed rape areas could reduce considerably due to the Commission’s decision to ban the use of some pesticides and treating oilseed rape with mordant.  

Fruit production plays a significant role in the sector of agriculture.  In 2003, after three years of disruption, fruit production sector is showing increase in areas planted with fruit trees and berries. As compared with 2012, the area of plum trees (by 10%) and cherry trees (by 9%) have increased as well as buckthorn plantings are increasing. Increased area of sea buckthorn shows a growing demand for processed sea buckthorn products. Thanks to favorable wintering condition of 2012/2013 and relatively late spring, when vegetation recommenced, the average productiveness of fruit trees and berries increased by 56% thus the total yield also increased by 54%. Regarding the total yield, apples are in leading position – in 2013, the total yield of apples amounted to 86.2% of the total yield of all fruits and berries.

Areas planted with fruit trees and berries in 2011-2013, ha