Banca dati dei progetti dei PSR
Farm Modernisation Supports Water Quality in Latvia
Summary
Modernisation of a livestock farm enabled to improve its business competitiveness and align the farm with Latvia's national environmental standards.
Background
Up until 2008 the farm had been keeping cattle in old Soviet-style livestock housing but it was difficult for these units to meet the modern environmental standards. The old cattle barns were also not very cost effective being expensive to operate and maintain. As a result, options for further growth of the farm business were restricted and so the farm prepared a development plan to build a new and larger livestock shed which would be more business-efficient and better for the environment.
Objective
The RDP project provided co-finance to help the farm realise its business plan which was based on goals to: i) increase the productivity and numbers of livestock; ii) increase profitability of the farm; iii) decrease environmental impact by collection of sewage and groundwater from livestock and milking compartment into liquid manure basin; iv) provide quality products to suppliers.
Main activities
Works included investments in new dairy facilities which incorporated modern milking machinery, more space for additional cattle, energy-saving equipment for drinking water cooling systems, and better welfare conditions for the animals. Manure management system involved constructing a liquid manure storage basin (with 7 months reserve) and a pipeline system for transporting the manure. Equipment for spreading liquid manure (for soil fertilisation purposes) was also funded.
Results & Benefits
Project results include: i) livestock numbers increase by 300%, now consisting of 700 cattle in total (350 of which are dairy); ii) milking productivity per cow increased; iii) employees productivity increased, larger number of duties per employee carried out; iv) reduction of environmental risk from manure spillage; v) availability of liquid manure for use in fertilising the farm's 1300 ha of agricultural land; vi) profit margins increased.
Lessons learnt
A number of important elements arose from the implementation of the project: i) hold to the agreed time plan and allow only for minor adjustments; close monitoring of the work in progress is important; ii) choosing suppliers for construction work with a good reputation and solid project portfolio is essential; iii) choosing equipment suppliers with regional presence, within close distance, which is especially important for servicing the equipment and urgent repair works.
Project location and other information
Blidene, Brocenu novads, Latvia
Region
Kurzeme
RDP Territory
Latvia
Total project cost (€)
2 270 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
452 400
National contribution (€)
301 600
Private contribution (€)
1 516 000
Contact name
Uldis Kirsis
Telephone
+371 265 48 428
Languages for contact
Latvian
Document attachment
At a glance
Country
Latvia
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers
Budget range
> €500 000
Start date:
10/09/2008
End Date:
31/10/2009
Theme / Measure:
Competitiveness of Agriculture & Forestry
Restructuring, developing physical potential, and promoting innovation
121. Modernisation of agricultural holdings
Keywords:
Competitiveness , Manure, Modernisation, Environmental management, Farm buildings
Last update
07/11/2012