June 21, 2023
Latvia AKIS | Updates on the different AKIS
AKIS Overview
The functions of the AKIS CB at the operational level are delegated to Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre, which is also responsible for CAP Network (EIP Support Unit also included). The AKIS Contact point(CAP Network) works with the AKIS Sub-Committee established in The Ministry of Agriculture. It will consist of representatives from ministries, NGOs, the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre, and the University of Life Science and Technology. Ministry of Agriculture, International Affairs and Strategy Analysis Department (AKIS CB at MA level) will be responsible for AKIS Sub-Committee.
The main functions of the AKIS Sub-Committee are:
– Provides mutually agreed proposals and recommendations for improving the implementation of agricultural knowledge and innovations and recommends priority areas/topics for targeted performance.
– Every year, priority sectors of the industry are reviewed and determined, according to which the AKIS CB organizes working groups to select priority areas.
– Evaluates and submit to the Supervisory Committee the priority areas set by the pre-determined sector working groups for implementing the CAP measure 16. “Cooperation”.
– Evaluates the development of priority areas of the previous year.
The main functions of The AKIS CB (CAP Network) are:
– Identifying the needs and interests of farmers and foresters by organizing working groups defining the priority areas and submitting them to the AKIS subcommittee for further consideration.
– Collects and disseminates knowledge and information about innovations created by AKIS stakeholders.
– Ensures the availability of information to interested parties, including all members of AKIS.
– Improves communication between interested parties by involving them in various networking and professional competence-building events, giving the participants the opportunity to make new cooperation contacts and acquire new, practically implementable knowledge.
– Explains the principles of the AKIS system and promotes the participants’ understanding of the benefits of a unified system.
– Performs the functions of the AKIS Subcommittee Support Unit.
At our AKIS scheme, we have 4 sectors: Public organizations, Private organizations, Research and educational organizations, and the NGO sector.
AKIS Coordination Bodies
Ministry of Agriculture, International Affairs and Strategy Analysis Department, and Rural Development Support Department are AKIS CB at MA level (plans the structure and delegates the functions to AKIS Contact point, coordinates AKIS Subcommittee) and CAP Network is AKIS Contact point which delivers all the functions mentioned before.
CAP Strategic Plan Priorities
1. Greater investment in achieving environmental and climate goals, incl. the most efficient use of resources.
2. More targeted support for the economic development of the agricultural sector – a sufficient level of support, competitiveness, and young farmers.
3. Targeted and fairer support for small farms.
4. Knowledge, research, and innovation – knowledge-based business, improving the implementation of innovation and scientific results in practice.
5. Ensuring economic life in the countryside – maintenance of infrastructure, preservation of population.
The aim of the Latvian CAP strategic plan is to continue to provide sufficient support to farmers so that they can provide citizens with food produced in our country that is safe, high-quality, and at affordable price. Emphasis is also placed on improving the competitiveness of Latvian farmers and food producers, working on efficient use of resources, investments in biodiversity conservation, and mitigating climate change. The support of the CAP strategic plan will continue to promote the provision of economic life in the countryside – maintenance of infrastructure, and preservation of population.
Find the full AKIS country report here.
