Scientists and practitioners join forces to strengthen Latvia’s food system

On 3 September, all six partners of the RISE AgriFoodLV project met online to discuss the next stages of the project and its immediate priorities. Until the end of 2028, the project partners will work together to develop science-based solutions aimed at strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Latvia’s food system. The first seven months will be particularly intensive, as they will lay the groundwork for future research activities and collaboration. 

To address the food sector in its full breadth, six of Latvia’s leading research institutions have joined forces: the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (lead partner), the Institute of Horticulture, the Institute of Agricultural Resources and Economics, the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR”, Rīga Stradiņš University, and the National Research and Innovation Institute. Such broad representation is essential because the food system encompasses much more than production alone. It covers the entire journey from the seed planted in the soil to the food placed on our plates, including natural processes, economic factors, as well as people’s habits and health. 

The work of nearly 100 scientists involved in the project is led and coordinated by Dr. Dalija Segliņa. She emphasizes that one of the key challenges is to connect science with real-world needs and ensure that research results are practical and applicable in everyday life. To achieve this, Dr. Miķelis Grīviņš will implement a multi-actor approach within the project, bringing together researchers, representatives of the food sector, policymakers, and other stakeholders throughout the research process. By jointly identifying challenges and seeking solutions, research can be more closely aligned with the actual needs of the sector, generating practical knowledge, innovative products, technologies, and new approaches to strengthening Latvia’s food system. 

The project’s research activities will cover a wide range of important topics, including improving poultry health and reducing antibiotic use in poultry farming, as well as enhancing soil fertility across Latvia’s agricultural land. Since food system challenges extend beyond the boundaries of any single sector, addressing them requires collaboration among multiple scientific disciplines and all stakeholders involved in the food system. 

To ensure that this work does not remain confined to laboratories or scientific publications, Dr. Irina Pilvere will lead communication efforts, building a trusted bridge between the project and society. 'We aim to reach as many people in Latvia as possible. Information about the project’s research will be shared through the media, social networks, and regional seminars held throughout Latvia.

Already in September, scientists involved in the project will participate in the international exhibition Riga Food, where visitors will be able to see firsthand how science contributes to everyday life and how research supports not only the development of the food sector but also the improvement of study programmes for future professionals.

Our overarching goal is for every resident of Latvia to experience the value of this collective work in their kitchen and daily life.'

The project Strengthening Resilient, Innovative, Sustainable, and Efficient Agrifood System in Latvia (RISE AgriFoodLV) is being implemented under the National Research Programme “Research on Agricultural and Forest Resources for the Development of a Safe and Resilient Latvia” for the period 2026–2028. The project identification number is VPP-ZM-Lauksaimniecība-2026/1-0003. The project duration is 30 months, and the total budget amounts to EUR 2.98 million.