Interviews - Zeme un valsts

Latest articles

A heavy blow to the Latvian forest industry – the European Emissions Trading System reform
What is the US Forest Service 'Roadless Rule' and why does President Trump want to repeal it?
Kuri ir Latvijas pievilcīgākie darba devēji un kāds ir pievilcīga darba devēja portrets?
Scots pine supports European electricity grids – the green transition boosts demand for wooden utility poles

Poll

Following the storm and thunderstorms on 22 August, the question of whether or not regulations exist for similar situations has become topical. What does this indicate?
If it is not written down, there is no action
Without an order, many do not know what to do
An excellent opportunity to limit bureaucracy, which will once again not be utilised
The inability to assess a situation is being replaced by descriptions, documents, etc.

A lighter note

“Why are the trees here so big?”
X-mas hangover!
Dreams are lovely, life is good

VIDEO

From log to microchip: where is Latvia's export value actually created?
The Latvian and His Forest
Kurzemnieks speaks. A conversation with lawyer and forester Valdis Kalns

Interviews

Real security starts with people, work and confidence in the future. A conversation with Uldis Amerika, chairman of the board of “Laflora”

We'd Like It Faster and More, but Everything Is Heading in the Right Direction. A Conversation with Raivis Jekums, Senior Forest Specialist of Talsi Municipality

College status has let Malnava both continue its work and develop. An interview with Sandra Ežmale, director of Malnava College

Māris Liopa: Latvia must use its land resources as efficiently and usefully as possible

Intensive forestry can be a climate change mitigation measure. Interview with Dr. silv. Aldis Butlers, researcher at LVMI “Silava”

What is a forestry consultant today, and is the price of the advice they give the only criterion for choosing one? An interview with Raimonds Bērmanis, Director of the LLKC Forest Advisory Service Centre

The best way to do something is to start doing it! An interview with Agita Baltbārde, board member of AS “CleanR Grupa” and European Climate Pact Ambassador in Latvia

Who might have an interest in Latvia's forests going unused? An interview with Aivars Lapiņš, adviser on agricultural affairs

Bulduri could create a climate-controlled agriculture centre. A conversation with Rafaels Joffis, board member of Bulduri Technical School

For professional forestry activity, the term “cutting down the forest” is inappropriate and incorrect. A conversation with Jānis Ģērmanis, board member of “Rīgas meži”

When strange and utterly short-sighted ambitions end in nothing... A conversation with Andrejs Ķeizars, co-founder of the Rubeņa fonds

Latvia's representatives should be at every negotiating table, so that the situation in future is as advantageous and favourable to us as possible. A conversation with Didzis Šmits, member of the 14th Saeima

On 2026. A conversation with Dagnis Dubrovskis, board member of “Latvijas valsts meži”

The state earned handsomely. A conversation with Jānis Apsītis, President of the Latvian Timber Producers and Traders Association and Chairman of the Board of SIA “Kurekss”

Fear of oversight is a good cover for not making any unnecessary effort and for doing little thinking. An interview with Mārtiņš Cimermanis, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre

Talent will grow at the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences, ideas will become reality, and together we will move towards a smarter and more successful Latvia. An interview with Andris Paeglītis, acting dean of the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences

An elementary “socialist approach”: “Sorry, we shall have different targets!” An interview with forestry expert Arvīds Ozols

This year is not a typical one… An interview with Jānis Ķirsis, Chairman of the Board of the Silviculture Contractors' Association

Creating a place where people would want to live and work. An interview with Mārtiņš Daģis, Chair of Jelgava State City Council

We want to understand how riverbanks ought to be managed. An interview with Mārcis Saklaurs, forest owner in Salacgrīva

Biology. The entire mechanism is based on tiny vesicles... Arnis Rītups in conversation with Seppo Vainio

Looking to the future – the true, the right and the only way forward. A conversation with Armands Apfelbaums, co-owner of “ACA Timber”

There is no one else who ought to be thinking about Europe's security in our place. An interview with Kristīne Rapa, Chair of the Latvian Forest Sector Trade Union
An organised minority commands a disorganised majority
Cooperation with the forestry sector is extremely valuable for the faculty's development. An interview with Professor Vivita Puķīte, Dean of the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences at LBTU
People must be at the centre of everything. An interview with Kristīne Rapa, chair of the Latvian Forest Sector Trade Union
I am glad for every person in Latvia who owns land in Latvia. An interview with Ģirts Krūmiņš, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture
Every representative of the forestry sector sees the forest broadly and in different ways. A conversation with Armands Krauze, Minister for Agriculture. Part II
Land is, was and will be the foundation of Latvia's prosperity. A conversation with Armands Krauze, Minister of Agriculture. Part I
We must return to raising statesmen and stateswomen. An interview with Sniedze Sproģe, adviser to the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments
A strong economy is the foundation of every country's prosperity. A conversation with Jānis Ciems, Chairman of the Board of a/s “Latvijas Finieris”
We heard the call. An interview with Raimonds Cipe, co-owner of the forestry company “Timbro”
The forest sector is one of the most important things for Latvia's future. An interview with Daiga Grīnfelde, Head of Corporate Relations at Latvijas valsts meži
The strength of every community matters. An interview with Dainis Karols, adviser to the Minister of Agriculture on local government affairs and Deputy Chair for administrative affairs of Talsi Municipality Council
The green course must not be abused
Anyone working in politics or interested in it should definitely spend at least some time in the private sector. An interview with Jurģis Miezainis, Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry of Economics
I am looking for various routes and hoping for good fortune. A conversation with Maija Dubro, head of the Sabile care association "Kalme"
We are strong and mighty. That must be felt in everyday life too. A conversation with Egils Helmanis, Chairman of Ogre Municipality Council
Latvia must certainly become a producer country of higher added value. A conversation with Andis Araks, chairman of the board of “Krauzers” and vice-president of the Latvian Forest Industry Federation
Our country must be defended and strengthened
Society still allows excessive regulation of everything to continue. An interview with Tomass Kotovičs, Head of the Communications Department at Latvijas valsts meži, member of the Forest Owners' Association and the cooperative Mežsaimnieks
When we manage forests, we think about all the values society receives from them. An interview with Dr. silv. Āris Jansons, leading researcher at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute (LVMI) “Silava” and chair of its Scientific Council
Nature protection should be about management, not a burden on the state budget. An interview with Andis Purs, Director of the Forest Department at the Ministry of Agriculture
Where are the principles of fairness, or where have they gone!? An interview with Raivis Kronbergs, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture
Cooperation – the founding principle of sustainability and positive communication. A conversation with Gunita Rakēviča, Director of the Latvian Local Government Training Centre
About the corncrake, and about what scientists argue over. An interview with Dr. biol. Oskars Keišs, ornithologist, head of the Ornithology Laboratory of the University of Latvia
The economy comes first – everyone ought to understand that. A conversation with Armands Krauze, Minister for Agriculture
Simple questions on a current topic. An interview with Jānis Ruks, forestry expert at “Arbonics”
Security is in our own hands
Latvia's future is based on manufacturing companies. A conversation with Normunds Ramanis, Head of Metalworking at “Stiga RM”
A factory, just like Riga, will never be finished! A conversation with Viesturs Krēvics, Director of the “Stiga RM” birch plywood factory in Kuldīga
Effective management is the key to rapid growth for Latvia. An interview with Andris Ramoliņš, owner of “Stiga RM”
To change anything you need a great deal of willpower. An interview with Jānis Ontužāns, a forest owner
A determined move towards modernising the sector. An interview with Jānis Osis, member of the board at Stiga RM
It is difficult to implement large projects in Latvia. This problem must be evaluated very critically, the situation must change. An interview with Jānis Vitenbergs, Minister of Transport
Peatlands could become a cornerstone of future growth
Politicians rarely spot serious risks; unfortunately, others have to deal with them. An interview with Agris Meilerts, Chairman of the Board of “Latvijas Finieris Mežs”
Collaboration requires work, investment and skill. An interview with Laimdota Straujuma, Chair of the Council of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU)
For business to be sustainable, constant investment and a sense of stability are required. An interview with Uldis Biķis, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Latvijas Finieris
When work comes easily... A conversation with Maija Dubro, head of the Sabile care association "Kalme"
There is no lack of diversity in the Latvian landscape; people must be given the opportunity to develop this environment. An interview with Aiga Grasmane, advisor to the Minister of Agriculture
There is no "somewhere else" in the world. A conversation with Dr. silv. Āris Jansons and Dr. silv. Andis Lazdiņš, leading researchers at the Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava"
We have lived well for long enough, and there has always been plenty of food. An interview with Valters Zelčs, a farmer and foreign policy specialist for the association “Zemnieku saeima”
Times of change for a four-billion-euro sector
Latvia has a serious basis to be a very wealthy country with its timber resources alone. A conversation with Didzis Šmits, Minister for Agriculture
It is crucial for Latvia to both articulate its wishes and defend its interests! A conversation with Pēters Putniņš, Chairman of the Board of JSC “Latvijas valsts meži”
It is good, but let us remain cautious and vigilant! A conversation with Gundars Kalve, farmer and soldier
One-day businessmen are not the benchmark for evaluating the sector. An interview with Mārtiņš Ailts, a forest owner in Dobele County
Every institution must first clarify for itself what rules it has prepared and written. An interview with Inguna Sudraba, economist and Auditor General (2004–2013)
It is the right time to look further and higher – what is above the forest and what is below it. A conversation with Jānis Lapiņš, a member of the Management Board of “Latvijas valsts meži”
A small school can also provide a quality education. A conversation with Dzintars Kudums, a deputy of the South Kurzeme municipality and a deputy of the 7th and 11th Saeima
Lies – whether intentional or accidental – must be answered sharply and loudly enough. A conversation between Māris Liopa, Chairman of the Forest Certification Council of Latvia, and Pauls Rēvelis, editor of zemeunvalsts.lv
For a greater opportunity to strengthen a Latvian Latvia. Raivis Dzintars, Chairman of the National Alliance, answers questions from zemeunvalsts.lv
Give a Latvian a piece of land that needs tending, and they will get the job done! An interview with Jānis Vitenbergs, MP of the 13th Saeima and Minister for Economics (2020–2022)
If my neighbours are doing well, I will do well too. An interview with Nauris Jurgenbergs, an entrepreneur in Vaidava parish
Weak and irresponsible management of national capital is a serious problem. A conversation with Andris Bite, co-owner of the fish processing company Karavela and President of the Employers' Confederation of Latvia
We can be proud of the families in our region! A conversation with Uģis Mitrevics, Chairman of the Sigulda Municipal Council
...to the countryside, to Varakļāni, to Latgale. Interview with Marika Zeimule, Head of the Minister of Culture's Office
If we cannot defend our interests, we shall exist de jure, not de facto
You must feel confident in what you do. A conversation with Roberts Sipenieks, head of the O. Kalpaks Museum "Airītes"
The problem is not the need for protection, but consumption. An interview with Artūrs Bukonts, Executive Director of the Latvian Independent Timber Producers Association and the Latvian Timber Manufacturers and Exporters Association
...let the head work, let the hands know what to do, let the head not “run” ahead of the hands and vice versa
Resources must be used thoughtfully, with an eye to the future. An interview with Ģirts Krūmiņš, Director of the Rural Support Service
You can fight it, or you can create favourable conditions for your plans. A conversation with Sanita Matule and Indulis Skrebelis, owners of “Vidnieki”
Time to look after ourselves and make use of what is available to us. A conversation with Haralds Barviks, Chairman of the Board of the Latvian Hunters Association
We cannot be independent without forestry. A conversation with Andris Rimicāns, Head of the Jelgava Information Centre at the Forest Research Station
Teaching what it means to build a house. A conversation with Enriko Podnieks, businessman
The state must clearly show who is in charge here and what the reaction will be. An interview with Inese and Māris Liopa
Those who improve will endure, or beer brewing is a highly patriotic pursuit. An interview with Aigars Ruņģis, owner of the Valmiermuiža Brewery
We are superior when it comes to greenery. A conversation with Raivis Kronbergs, State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture
Do not lose your common sense and find a balance. A conversation with Arvīds Ozols, Director of the Forest Department at the Ministry of Agriculture
Don't just stand there!
Yesterday in the fields, today – helping Ukrainians! A conversation with farmer Gundars Kalve
It is and will be about Latvia's freedom. An interview with Edvards Smiltēns, Deputy Chairman of the Riga City Council
As long as I am Minister, state forests will not be privatised!
The issue of compensation is clear and understandable, and I am committed to resolving it. An interview with Artūrs Toms Plešs, Minister of Environmental Protection and Regional Development
The Green Deal will make goods more expensive
The common good is more important than the inconvenience of a single individual. An interview with Andris Ramoliņš, entrepreneur and forest owner
What prompts people to take unnecessary items into the forest? An interview with Edmunds Linde, Head of Silviculture Planning at Latvijas valsts meži
Nature conservation in Latvia is at a 1960s-70s level, when the focus was on species and habitats without taking people into account. An interview with Ivo Vinogradovs, Lead Researcher at the Department of Geography, Faculty of Geography and Earth Sciences, University of Latvia
Seeing the forest for the trees
There are no friends at work – you either get it done or you don't. A conversation with Egils Helmanis, Chairman of the Ogre Municipality Council
It is important to clarify, express and defend one's point of view at the EU level. An interview with Evita Goša, board member of SCHWENK Latvija and Director of Environment and Legal Affairs
We will produce what is needed on-site in small factories on the forester's or farmer's own property. An interview with Kaspars Liepiņš, Business Development Manager at SIA ““Ventspils nafta” termināls”
I would be happy if, on the 150th anniversary of Latvia, the principles of a national state, democracy and national identity were still a stable goal and foundation. An interview with Ritvars Jansons, a member of the 13th Saeima
"Good heavens, what groups of forest brothers there were in Zemgale and what pranks they got up to!" An interview with historian Inese Dreimane and historian and farmer Zigmārs Turčinskis
We need to talk about the implementation of environmental protection measures. An interview with Sandra Bērziņa, Advisor on Environmental Protection for the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments
It is best to do what you are best at. An interview with Ingūna Gulbe, Dr. oec., head of the Agricultural Market Promotion Centre at AREI*
There are undoubtedly serious changes in consumption ahead. An interview with Gatis Zamurs, parliamentary secretary of VARAM, deputy of the 13th Saeima
We need to think about active forestry. An interview with Arnis Muižnieks, Chairman of the Board of the Forest Owners Association of Latvia
Prosperity in a country is secured by production. An interview with Indulis Jansons, chair of the board of the agricultural cooperative VAKS
We must work and we must earn. An interview with Anita Skudra, Board Member of “Rīgas meži”
The coefficients included and used in reports are not scientifically justified for Latvian conditions. An interview with Professor, Dr.sc.ing. Ainis Lagzdiņš, Head of the Scientific Laboratory of Forest and Water Resources at LLU
Where there's a will, there's a way! An interview with Jurģis Miezainis, Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economics from 2018–2021
Seeing this, Russia and Belarus are rubbing their hands. An interview with Andrejs Vītoliņš, chair of the board of the Latvian Plant Growers Association
I want to see prosperity in Latvia. An interview with Kristaps Klauss, Executive Director of the Latvian Forest Industry Federation
We don’t need to 'grow a mountain', but think about how to recycle. An interview with Gints Kukainis, Chairman of the Board of the municipal waste management company (ZAAO)
The value in my forest is what I define it to be! A conversation with Andis Malējs, Head of Business System Solutions and Marketing at the forest owners' cooperative “Mežsaimnieks”
Of course, a Latvian entrepreneur can! A conversation with Māris Danieks, co-owner and Chairman of the Board of the garden furniture manufacturing company EKJU
Despite the sceptics, forests in Latvia will grow. A conversation with Jānis Zvejnieks, manager of the Strenči nursery
How large an area of protected land can we afford? An interview with Mārtiņš Trons, board member of Zemnieku Saeima
Will Latvia "save" the world, Europe and its neighbours? An interview with Arnis Muižnieks, Chairman of the Board of the Forest Owners' Association of Latvia
On Latvian forests and RailBaltica. A conversation with Vilmārs Katkovskis, Head of Forest Management Planning for the West Vidzeme region
Sustainable management: living and working naturally. An interview with Ivars Šmits, founder of the Spēkozols movement
We are the most expensive in the Baltics, the tax burden is at the Swedish level. An interview with Agnese Pastare, entrepreneur
For the future of our Latvia. An interview with Jānis Švirksts: Jānis the father and Jānis the third generation
Breaking up "Rīgas Meži". An interview with Aivars Tauriņš, the former Chairman of the Board of "Rīgas Meži"
In Latvia there will never be a desert where the forest was. An interview with the ornithologist Jānis Ķuze
Overgrown areas and thickets are daunting. A conversation with forester Juris Buškevics
What to do? To be or not to be... Entrepreneurs Uldis Ameriks and Māris Liopa discuss national economic problems.
Think much further ahead! An interview with Rimants Brālis, a certification specialist at Sodra Latvija
If we do not produce, but only consume, resources will flow out of Latvia. An interview with Jānis Eglīts, Head of the Office of the Minister of Agriculture
Nothing is more controversial than drawing borders. An interview with Professor Henrihs Soms, historian
...on standard European gauge tracks. An interview with entrepreneur Andrejs Faibuševičs
Development! Undoubtedly – more rapid development. A conversation with the Mayor of Tukums, Normunds Rečs
Taking action and getting involved. A conversation with Agris Smelteris, owner of "Līvas grupa"
A desire to "blow off" all our problems! A conversation with Balvi Municipality entrepreneurs Aija Mežale and Līga Pennere
People in the region want proper management. A conversation with barrister Gaidis Bērziņš
Debt is no friend; nothing comes for free, you have to pay for everything!
We work for Latvia's hunters!
Ensuring people receive both information and services
Time to start growing!
Are we forgetting about the individuals of our own “species” too often?
We must allow society and entrepreneurs to breathe!
We must stick together! There will be a result!
Our mission: change public and government opinion in favour of the industry that sustains the country!
On history, myths, and their politically added value
Scientifically “diving deep”
Perhaps she will return!*
Rules must be followed, recommendations – no, because they are not mandatory!
Necessary? Necessary! ...as long as others take care of it
...so that there is more of both nature and money!
We have outpaced the rest of Europe by 20 years
Modern policy cannot be shaped by a fear of voters
...a state service for destroying value?
By imposing bans, we appear to be acting, but there is no real policy!
For a Latvian “a corner of one’s own” has always been important!
We must work diligently until Riga becomes ours!
The unified Kuldīga municipality will be a winner: in terms of both people and resources
The Ogre Blue Hills. Beavers help with the work too...
Peat is a renewable resource. That’s good!
We are needed by our country!
Every restriction reduces competitiveness
Balance in planning remains a relevant topic
So that the audience can see, feel and understand the balance!
The forest has 'joined in'. There is more forest!
Sustainability is becoming mundane
Minister of Finance: The forestry sector is Latvia's most important export industry!
Director General of the State Forest Service: "We must evaluate the benefit to the environment, the local municipality, and the owner!"
I have survived, and that is good!
Let’s reach an agreement! Everyone would win!
Years go by – there's still no clarity!
Pretending not to see – not a smart strategy
I was felling, clearing ditches, marking tracks, measuring timber, learning...
On bees, fields and chemicals
Two problems: regional inequality and the loss of human resources
...there are people who think that money appears in cash machines
The word “sustainability” has a deep and powerful meaning!
It is too warm for the ptarmigan here!
The mood is very varied!
There has always been the opportunity to ban or disallow things
Give us money, and we will stay silent!
The trend of "forgetting the person" is very dangerous!
State independence is impossible without the use of forest resources!
Everyone drives on the roads! We need to laugh at the extremes!
The Forest as an Endless Cycle
Studying forestry in Finland. What is it like?
Drive 40–50 km and it’s forest, forest, forest...
What is a Latvian garden without lilacs?
It is important to know what we are talking about!
Data availability in many climate-related areas is a problem
Speaking of jobs – I don't think finding one in the countryside is a problem!
I see it: the countryside is developing!
Everyone is ready to fight for flowers right now, but who will fight for bread?
Latvia has Latvian resources, there are no others!
Micro-reserve. 9 years later and... the forest has already collapsed!
Busy Mālpils. The fate of the Pierīga region...
A thunderstorm over forestry. Is a "green storm" approaching?
Sustainability: Its usage and “tacking on”
It has been a good year!
Everyone has a right to property!
Legal nuances in less known and less understood questions
Is prosperity something we can only talk about in the Pierīga region?
How to make use of and adapt to the situation?
How to explain, and then explain again!
On the gleam of sustainability documents...
Greenery must be tended!
A ban is definitely not the only way to protect!
About Smiltene. From the Strong Triangle of Vidzeme
Even in a self-sufficient municipality, the city pulls you in!
To find out and understand precisely!
Development is successful when there are no artificial boundaries!
"Münchhausen" gives vigour for the year!
Respect for the forestry profession. A dynasty profession...
Hunters. Life and Fairy Tales
We waste a large part of what we extract irrationally!
Our Latvian forests are growing and producing!
Research can be infinite!
Peat bogs and generations in Kurzeme
To watch and wonder, or to work? Let's work!
A dirty pond, a broken maple: glory to the green nature, glory!
On the State Audit Office report. A professional opinion
Rules and Habits. Hunting and Fishing
Maintaining global competitiveness!
Doing science is great!
There must be reclaimed wood! Full stop!
Responsibility for more than 40% of Latvia's exports
Solstice. Its Power
Wood exists, and you can build with it!
Our President Egils Levits: “Land and state belong together and go together! They cannot be separated!”
That is the consciousness of nationality!
We all pay for a "green life"!
"Nature conservation" as a conflict of values
Forestry trade union. In more detail!
Owners work. The restrictors? They come and go, and...
The environment. How to be there and how to use it?
Are we living in a free country? An entrepreneur’s perspective
Only entrepreneurs earn money for the country!
Science at school. Much, little, interesting?
A gun does not fire itself, a person fires it!
Is the local government governing itself, providing services, or acting as a servant?
An inventory for an inventory
It is bad when laws are not based on expert opinions!
Hillforts and forests
How time has passed in the sector
Willows. Resources, plantations, opportunities
Intelligent people do not shout
Need bread? You'll need drainage!
Does anyone "outside the sector" actually care?
We need spokespeople!
Everywhere, just not in my backyard!
Real. On and by the land
Nature conservation national peculiarities. Right here. 21st century
Hunting. ...and battles...
Let us grow forests and be proud!
Space for cultural heritage and values. The Forest
The forest is like the Gauja
Farsighted. Thinking of the next generations
Knowing the trade inside out
The environment. The national economy. The state
Forests, "Rīgas meži". The situation, what is important, and current events