Since 2009, the World Wide Fund for Nature, in cooperation with partner organizations in other countries, has been rewarding farmers in the Baltic Sea region who take measures on their farms to reduce eutrophication in the Baltic Sea, the environment as a whole and promote sustainable agricultural production.
This year, the Farmer of the Year in Latvia is Rihards Kadirovs, a consultant of the project “Climate Responsible Agriculture in Latvia” (LIFE CRAFT) implemented by the Latvian Fund for Nature, and his farm “Jaunozoli”, located in Salas parish, Salas district. On his farm, Rihards has introduced various management methods to reduce the impact on the environment. One of the methods is the "strip-till" or minimal tillage method. This method means that the land is not plowed, but cultivated minimally in order to preserve the natural structure of the land and improve soil quality. According to the farmer's observations, this method is also more resistant to weather conditions, such as this year's spring and summer droughts. By combining various environmentally friendly farming practices, the soil treated by Richard has significantly increased its organic matter content and ability to absorb greenhouse gas (CO2) gas.
Richard has acquired all his knowledge in agriculture through self-study and is happy to share his experience and theoretical knowledge with other farmers. With his education as an economist, he has been able to analyze the financial indicators of his farm and considers the chosen strip-till method to be the most advantageous from various factors. Rihards has also been able to carefully select the most suitable amount of fertilizer by performing soil analyzes and evaluating the projected amount of precipitation. Thus, by using less fertilizer during the rainy season, it is possible to prevent nutrient run-off into the water. As a result, Richard has reduced the amount of phosphorus fertilizer used by 20% and the amount of nitrogen fertilizer by 50%. In 4 years, using the "strip-till" method, the yield has increased by 90%.
The team of the LIFE CRAFT project, is really proud of the achievements of Rihards Kadirovs on his farm "Jaunozoli" and the positive experience of introducing new, climate- and environment-friendly farming methods!
For the second year in a row, Latvian Fund for Nature, in cooperation with the Latvian Rural Consultation and Education Centre and Institute of Environmental Solutions, is implementing the LIFE CRAFT project. Within the framework of the project, in cooperation with farms, three methods are tested and evaluated - direct sowing or plowing, incorporation of bio-carbon into the soil and controlled drainage.