Plant for cultivating seeds inaugurated in Iecava, Latvia
In the heart of Latvia, a new seed production complex is taking shape. The 4,500 square metre facility, built by Latvijas Lauku konsultāciju un izglītības centrs (LLKC), is set to revolutionise the local agricultural landscape.
The complex, which includes production facilities, a warehouse, a laboratory, and an office building, is designed to process both legume and cereal seeds. The plant's total capacity is an impressive 3,500 tonnes, with a processing capacity of 15 tonnes per hour.
The plant's processes are automated, ensuring efficiency and consistency. Seeds, after processing, cleaning, and quality control, will be stored in silos and then transferred to an automatic packaging machine for packaging into "Big Bags" containing 600 to 500 kilograms each.
Currently, only 15-20% of seeds in Latvia are certified, while in Scandinavia the figure exceeds 70%. This new complex aims to bridge this gap, as the seeds processed at the plant will be certified.
Armands Krauze, Minister of Agriculture (ZZS), expressed that the increased use of certified seeds will increase competition among Latvian seed producers and benefit all farmers. Agita Hauka, chair of the Latvian Farmers' Federation, acknowledged that most Latvian farmers do not use certified seeds due to their higher cost and the need for renewal every few years. However, farmers will now have the opportunity to sell their purchased certified seeds back to the company for processing in the autumn.
The plant will employ more than 20 local residents. Last year, the company sold various certified seeds to farmers, and this year, the main market for the seeds produced will be Latvia, Estonia, and to some extent, Lithuania.
SIA 'Dotnuva Seeds' in Latvia has about 60 farms that are purely engaged in propagation. The plant is designed to process up to three different types of seeds at the same time without mixing them. This year, production will only occur during day shifts to master the new processes, with a transition to round-the-clock operation planned for the future.
The company building this complex is no stranger to the agricultural sector. LLKC, with its extensive experience in consultancy and education, is poised to make a significant impact on the seed industry in Latvia and beyond. The new equipment used in the production processes will undoubtedly contribute to this goal.
This new seed production complex in Iecava is a testament to Latvia's commitment to modernising its agricultural sector and ensuring food security for its people and neighbouring countries.
