Economically efficient, sustainable, and productive use of land for the production of agricultural and forestry products

Project description

The study's objective was to determine the actual state of agricultural and forestry land use in Latvia, assess its potential, and develop proposals for increasing land use efficiency. 

Micro-level data from various institutions (down to the level of fields and properties) were combined to determine the actual state of land use, creating a unique database for analysis. This database was created using data from the State Land Service (SLS), the Rural Support Service (RSS), the State Forest Service (SFS), the State Forestry Institute “Silava”, and the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB). The database was created at the State Forestry Institute “Silava” and the information was analyzed at the national and parish levels. Data from the Latvian Farm Accountancy Data Network (SUDAT), calculations of the Gross Cover of the Latvian Rural Consultation and Education Centre (LLKC), and evaluation of economic data were also used to determine production output indicators in agriculture and forestry. In agriculture, the current situation has been assessed for land used for grain growing, rapeseed growing, milk and beef production, and sheep farming (grasslands sown on arable land, permanent meadows and pastures, as well as other green forage crops, including corn), as well as for vegetable and fruit growing. In forestry, the assessment of the main tree species has been carried out. Factor and cluster analyses were used to determine and systematize the factors affecting production efficiency in agriculture and forestry. The cluster analysis results of both sectors were compared. Assessments and forecasts of leading experts in agriculture and forestry in Latvia have been used to determine the land use potential.