After weeks of rain and poor weather, Latvian farmers face one of the most difficult vegetable seasons in recent years. In some regions, crop losses, particularly for beets and potatoes, have reached up to 80%, forcing retailers to increasingly rely on imported produce.
According to Jānis Bērziņš, head of Latvijas dārznieks, vegetable losses this season are estimated at around one-third overall, though some farms in the Riga region are still struggling to harvest due to flooded fields. Heavy rainfall, up to 40 mm in a single weekend, left much of the produce underwater.
The cooperative Baltijas dārzeņi reports that table beets were hit hardest, with losses of 50–80%. Farmers emphasize the need for consumer support and timely payments from retailers. However, several supermarket chains and wholesale buyers continue to prioritize cheaper imports, delaying settlements and mixing foreign vegetables with Latvian ones.
The Latvian Potato Growers Association notes that in Latgale and eastern Latvia, many farmers were unable to complete planting or harvesting. While large-scale producers managed a decent yield, they now struggle with falling prices due to strong competition from imported potatoes.
In September, wholesale prices for Latvian potatoes stood at €0.21–0.23/kg, but have since dropped to €0.17, while Polish potatoes are bought for as little as €0.12/kg. Despite this, store prices remain unchanged, around €0.49–0.59/kg, leaving farmers squeezed between rising costs and shrinking margins.
Source: press.lv
