Latvia's farming sector is experiencing one of the most difficult seasons in recent history, with losses already estimated at hundreds of millions of euros, reports LSM+. Experts warn that the country is effectively becoming a "risk farming zone" as climate change brings unpredictable conditions.
This year, almost all major crops have suffered. Vegetables have been hit especially hard. Onion harvests turned out unusually small, with stocks unlikely to last beyond January–February. "Latvian onions will disappear before the next season, and the same applies to many other vegetables," farmers' groups warned. Carrots and cabbage also failed after heavy spring rains flooded fields and washed away seeds. Later, excessive rainfall made crop care and harvesting almost impossible. "At least potatoes will be hard to store until spring; they will start rotting," noted Inguna Gulbe of the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics.
Farmers say July's intensive downpours came just as harvests were due, leaving fields too wet for machinery.
For consumers, experts stress that supermarket shelves will not be empty, but shoppers should expect higher prices and a smaller range. "The problem is not variety, but affordability; will people be able to pay for these more expensive products?" Gulbe said.
Scientific journalist and geologist Konstantins Rancs linked the crisis directly to climate change. He described Latvia as a "climate frontline zone" where wet and cold air masses collide, creating storms, floods, and unstable farming conditions. He urged investment in drainage, new agronomic solutions, and risk insurance.
The consensus among experts: Latvia must adapt its agriculture to shifting climate patterns, or similar crises will repeat, with rising costs for both farmers and consumers.
Source: rus.lsm.lv