The Institute of Horticulture, together with its cooperation partners, is researching innovative products suitable for crisis conditions, made from raw materials sourced in Latvia and using a short supply chain.
The project “Innovative Products Suitable for Crisis Conditions Based on Hemp, Honey and Berries, Made from Raw Materials Sourced in Latvia and Using a Short Supply Chain” aims to develop solutions for a new hemp cultivation technology. This involves adjusting the ratio of female and male plants in dioecious hemp varieties in order to increase seed yield.
Hemp cultivation is considered one of the most profitable agricultural sectors, as all parts of the plant can be used for processing. In recent years, with the introduction of new Latvian-origin varieties into production, there has been a clear increase in hemp cultivation areas. In 2020, 778 hectares of hemp were declared to the Rural Support Service, while by 2025 the area had increased to 2,230 hectares. Nevertheless, hemp still accounts for only 0.12% of the total area declared for support.
There are several reasons for this. Hemp cultivation requires solid knowledge and appropriate technologies, but the most significant challenge is the lack of a well-developed processing and marketing network in Latvia. Most of the harvested seeds are exported unprocessed, meaning that growers often have limited opportunities to sell or process their production locally. In addition, raw seeds have comparatively lower added value. Therefore, farmers’ income from hemp cultivation could increase significantly if local processing capacities were developed.
During the project, the main focus will be on creating innovative new food products with substantially improved properties and technical parameters, produced from local raw materials and using a short supply chain. The products are planned to include nutrient-rich ingredients such as hemp seeds, honey products, and by-products from sea buckthorn and cranberry processing.
The new products are intended as long-term storage foods with high energy and nutritional value, suitable for crisis situations as well as for active individuals. The project aims to offer a product that can be consumed quickly in small portions in the form of tablets. The packaging will make them convenient for use in crisis conditions, as well as during travel, at the gym, or other activities.
The project involves the Institute of Horticulture, the agricultural cooperative LPKS “Lādzeres grauds,” the farm “Piesaule” from the rural territory of Valdemārpils, I. Valdzera’s farm “Cukuriņi” in Laidze Parish, the farm “Sārāji,” Dzintars Šmits, and SIA “Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre.”
