Small agricultural farms in Latvia and Baltic sea countries and their possibilities
ENThe study was conducted with a purpose to find out importance, development and its opportunities of the small agricultural farms in Latvia, taking into account the situation also in other countries of the Baltic Sea. Topicality of the paper is related to a large share of the small agricultural farms in the structure of the agricultural farms, and their very significant impact on the socio-economic situation in the rural areas. The economic activity of the small agricultural farms at the same time in general is low, and their potential (land, workforce, manufacturing resources) is not sufficiently used. Many small farms discontinue their operation, and only a relatively small portion of them become larger. The paper contains a scientific discussion regarding a socio-economic importance of the small agricultural farms in the rural community, especially in the facilitation of its sustainability. Also it includes results of some surveys conducted in Latvian small farms and analyse of farm structural data. It shows that the small agricultural farms exist also in the EU-15 Member States, and they can operate along with the large farms. The study results show that it is not correct to assess only the economic aspects of these farms separately from the social and environmental aspects. Several niches exist where such farms can successfully operate. These are not the mass products, but rather the products with high value added. For the small farms to be able to create competitive manufacturing, a purposeful investment support suitable for these farms is extremely necessary. Key words: agriculture, small farms, structure, development. [From the publication]
