Project activities
In the project existing knowledge on different solutions to support biodiversity in both arable land (natural plant strips or patches, buffer zones, intercropping, etc.) and permanent grassland (mowing times, mowing frequency, mowing depth, grazing practices, etc.) will be collected and analysed.
Farmers from South and West Estonia, and from the Kurzeme and Vidzeme regions of Latvia interested in testing different biodiversity-friendly practices have joined the project. On each participating farm, the demo area(s) will be selected and an individual action plan on biodiversity-friendly practices will be developed according to the specific regional features and the needs of the farm. The action plan will be implemented during the 2025–2026 season.
The results will be analysed and used as a basis for future recommendations for the protection of biodiversity in both arable and grasslands. Communication and exchange of experience between Estonian and Latvian pilot farms will also be supported through field days and joint study visits.
Compensation schemes for enhancing biodiversity will be analysed and, in cooperation with policy makers, solutions will be sought to improve the effectiveness of CAP environment-related interventions.
Project information
Eligible periood: 09.2024–10.2027 (38 months)
Project budget: The project has a total budget of €1 083 966,25, with 80% (€867 173) financed by the European Regional Development Fund and 20% (€216 793,25) co-financed by the partners, while METK’s budget is €229 381,25, also funded 80% by the ERDF and 20% by METK.
Partners: the lead partner is The Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce (EACC), and the partners include The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK), Latvian Farmers' Parliament (ZSA), Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU), and Latvian Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics (AREI).
Project's main contact:
Silja Lehtpuu
Project coordinator
Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce (EACC)
+372 515 7724
[email protected]
METK contact:
Iiri Raa
Head of Agroecology Unit
Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK)
+372 507 8060
[email protected]
