Latvia’s first online workshop in orchards sector was organized by Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre and held on the 18th of July and brought together 7 participants from 5 countries. LLKC advisor Edgars Dzelme presented how regenerative agricultural system is applied in two farms in Bauskas region, in the southern part of Latvia – one farm apple orchards, other – black currants.
Regenerative agricultural system focuses on actively restoring and enhancing ecosystems, particularly soil health, while also improving food production and mitigating climate change. The management practices are based on many elements of the cropping system, such as implementing a diversified crop rotation, direct sowing and microbial plant protection products. Practices are tailored to specific farming situations, requiring a nuanced approach to selecting and integrating different techniques. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution; rather, the optimal combination of practices depends on factors like climate, soil type, farm enterprise mix, and individual farmer preferences. The aim is, through a healthy soil, enabling plants to be less prone to pests and diseases. These practices also preserve natural enemies like predators, parasitoids, and pathogens in case of pests/disease attack (biological control).
