News - Zeme un valsts
11th LMSP International Conference in 23 days, 29 October. Learn more ›

Latest articles

Latvijas Banka issues a symbolic collector coin, "Chestnut"
The European Innovation Act and the forest bioeconomy – what can Latvian forestry gain from it?
The “Trojan Horse” of Turkish Plywood – Growing Concerns Among European Timber Producers
Nature Conservation Agency invites donations for the restoration of nature tourism infrastructure damaged by the storm

Poll

Concern about gaps in the skills and knowledge of our pupils is voiced quite widely from time to time. Unfortunately, only when someone from outside Latvia has concluded as much. Why is that?
There is a political tendency to be busy, to invest, to make promises, but not to think about the results
If you have little knowledge yourself, you do not even know how or what you do not know...
A smart society is not always desirable or welcome
Many interests swirl around education. A "good result" is rarely mentioned among them

A lighter note

“Why are the trees here so big?”

VIDEO

Collector coin “Chestnut”
Trees on agricultural land – perennial plantations, short-rotation coppice or agroforestry?!
The Baltics in the Kremlin's sights. How serious is the threat?

News

AS “Latvijas valsts meži” – the most attractive employer among working people and students
Latvijas Banka revises its macroeconomic forecasts
“Patria” and Germany sign two series contracts worth more than €2 billion under the CAVS programme
At Christmas, at the turn of the year... and in 2026
Events marking the 109th anniversary of the Christmas Battles
Excessive and unjustified fishing bans must not destroy life and activity in Latvia's coastal seaside villages
Efforts continue to soften the impact of the European Union’s “green laws”
European Union unveils its new bioeconomy strategy
Latvia's highest business awards presented – the Export and Innovation Award
2026 budget adopted – priority on driving growth and supporting businesses
Land use needs a consensus
“Laflora” concludes the 2025 peat extraction season
Forest sector awards “Zelta čiekurs 2025” presented
Latvia's economy is bouncing back convincingly from the upheavals of recent years
European Entrepreneurial Region Award 2027
Minister for Agriculture Armands Krauze proposes changes to the regulatory framework to ensure fair competition
“Latvijas valsts meži Art Scholarship 2025” awarded
Study “PeatTransform” launched – towards climate neutrality for Latvia's peat industry
Join the European initiative “For 3 billion more trees”!
35th anniversary of the revival of the scouting and guiding movement!
In defending local companies, the government takes a punch to the face
Resurfacing completed on the “Ložmetējkalna ceļš” road
Freedom is not an inheritance – it is a mission
Land sectors can make an additional contribution to Latvia
Cutting red tape: the European Commission's new package of laws governing the digital environment
Military mobility legislative package unveiled
State Audit Office sets new audit topics for 2026
Stora Enso to create Europe's largest forestry fund
The so-called gold standard of forestry will try to rid itself of fraudulent schemes
On Latvia's birthday
AS “Latvijas valsts meži” and the company trade union “LVM Cilvēkam un Mežam” have concluded a collective agreement
European Tree of the Year in Latvia 2025
Baltic region's largest indoor micro-class tactical drone training centre opens with support from Latvijas Finieris
One million euros allocated to forest damage prevention
On Lāčplēsis Day
Moderate inflation in October was driven by lower food price pressure and seasonal effects
COP30 to decide on forestry rules for the UN-managed carbon market
Chaos must not be allowed... calls in the European Union to halt implementation of the Deforestation Regulation
Forestry Conference for Forest Owners 2025
Manufacturing output posts record growth for recent years
If land is a value in Latvia, why is it not put to good use?
Through cooperation between “Laflora” and the University of Latvia, Latvia becomes the first country in the world to use a new-generation CO₂ measurement device
Will FSC act over the billion-dollar fraud in its own certification system?
The joint-stock company “Latvijas valsts meži” has been managing the state forests for 26 years
Winners of the Ministry of Agriculture's "Sējējs 2025" competition honoured
Rising costs and conditions in timber markets cut “Södra” profits
Gloomy mood in Brussels. Climate policy is going into reverse
Hunters invited to take part in survey on coexistence with large carnivores
The Nature Conservation Agency invites bids in auctions for firewood and branches for wood chips
Forestry Conference for Forest Owners 2025
Ingka Investments concludes the largest forest land acquisition deal in Latvia's history
Let foresters protect forests without bureaucracy!
“Ingka Investments” agrees its largest forest land acquisition to date
The Ministry of Agriculture will instruct that the board of AS “Latvijas valsts meži” be reduced step by step to three members
Synergy between industry and research – the key to Latvia's development
Land assets need a steward
About the row of oaks in Skrīveri
LMSP 10th International Conference “Sustainability and Resources in Land Management: Cooperation in Times of Crisis and Change”
A new mortgage lending programme has been developed that will make mortgage loans available for buying homes in the regions
LMT and “Kurekss” roll out the first private 5G network in the Baltic woodworking industry
New “Woodworking Technologies” study programme launched at LBTU Malnavas koledža, first study contracts signed
European Tree of the Year in Latvia. Choose and vote!
A Time of Heroes at the Christmas Battles Museum
Baltic and Nordic forest sectors to cooperate in strengthening Europe's resilience
On the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Latvia highlights the importance of public preparedness for crises
Hard times for Finland's foresters
“Latvijas Finieris” opens applications for its 2025/2026 internship programme
Work begins on a new protection plan for the Beberbeķi Nature Park – everyone is invited to take part
Nordic wood industry forum to highlight the sector's role in strengthening European security
The “European Hunting Photo of the Year” competition
VARAM proposes expanding the compensation system – the option to exchange land in protected areas
What is and will be relevant in the furniture manufacturing industry? Find out at the “Riga Furniture and Interior 2025” exhibition!
“Latvijas valsts meži” – the greenest brand in Latvia
Peat Days 2025. Event programme
Young stands in state forests to be protected across 25 000 hectares this year
Winners of the “Namejs Award 2024” honoured during visit to Lithuania, and “Latvijas Finieris” subsidiary “Likmere” production plant visited
Minister for Agriculture Armands Krauze: “The European Commission's proposal is an unacceptable brake on rural development”
VARAM: compensation to be granted for damage caused by specially protected non-game species
European Commission blames IT system overload for Deforestation Regulation delay
Public consultation begins on the forestry sector development guidelines for 2026-2050
Minister of Agriculture Armands Krauze: “Economic activity in the forest must be suited both to the challenges of the climate and to economic needs”
“Apvienotais saraksts” calls for climate policy to be frozen while national security is under threat, so that all resources can be focused on the country's defence
Climate change could wipe €247 billion off the value of Europe's forests
Progress made in talks with the European Commission, discussions on the climate target to continue
“Latvijas valsts meži” concludes social dialogue agreement with the company employees' trade union “LVM Cilvēkam un Mežam”
In Copenhagen, Minister for Agriculture Armands Krauze calls on EU member states to insist that agricultural policy be retained as a separate policy
Letter from the heads of government of Sweden and Finland to the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen
Latvia still cannot support the European Commission's proposal on the European Union's 2040 climate target
Forests of the future: paving the way to EU carbon neutrality through sustainable management practices and circular wood-based products
A chance to vote for the most appealing energy-efficient building in Latvia
Construction begins on STIGA RM's new wood-processing plant in Ogre
The best buildings of 2024 announced
Veneer plant “Kuldīgas fabrika” – a winner in two categories at the “Best Building of the Year in Latvia 2024” awards
The “Smart Cities Conference” will take place in Riga for the fourth time
State-owned companies will have to pay 90% of their profits into the state budget as dividends
Why a 10-kilometre run through the woods is not yet a degree in forestry science
Latvia joins the strategic alliance of forest-rich countries “For Forest Group+”
An industry story. How to collect more tax without significantly increasing the national debt
Applications open for the “Zelta čiekurs” forest sector annual award
The European Union's plans for meeting its climate targets. A sector-by-sector review
Beetle species new to Latvia discovered in the Ogre valley
Will growth in the defence sector in the European Union drive the development of eco-friendly technologies?
The main benefit of the programme – farms have the opportunity to develop production
Felling permits issued in the first half of 2025
The “Stiga RM” group strengthens its leading position – 2024 turnover approaches 100 million euros
Rainfall is having a negative impact on forest management work
Government declares a state of emergency in agriculture across the whole territory of Latvia until 4 November
Minister for Agriculture Armands Krauze: an emergency situation must be declared in the areas affected by the rains
The 25th “Minhauzens 2025” Hunters' Festival held in grand style
Shelter building code developed
LTRK survey: the public administration body businesses rate best is the CSDD, and the worst are the building authorities
Weather conditions are affecting nature trail infrastructure. We urge visitors to think carefully before setting out on nature trails
Bill approved for a sustainable economy and tackling climate change
Veneer from Russian birch is still being imported into Europe
The Latvian Forest Sector Trade Union categorically objects to the privatisation of “Latvijas valsts meži”
Minister for Agriculture Armands Krauze: AS “Latvijas valsts meži” must remain entirely in state ownership
Developing an innovative solution – a smart device to fight the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle
Armands Krauze: only under conditions of stable profit can farmers and forest owners improve their operations and work towards sustainability and environmental goals
Implementing the EU's policy direction in the Central Asia region, the Ministry of Agriculture is developing cooperation with Uzbekistan on forestry matters
Across Latvia as a whole, we have driven into a deep ditch. How many will have to be culled this year?
Latvian Forest Sector Trade Union warns of the consequences of cutting funding for the State Forest Service
“Bulduru Tehnikums” becomes a tree worker certification centre for the “European Arboricultural Council”
“Stiga RM” completes modernisation of its Kuldīga plant – investment exceeds 22 million euros
Natural disasters are causing ever greater damage to farmers
The European Council backs a new monitoring system to promote sustainable forest management
Forests do not fit the European Commission's scenario
Deans chosen for four faculties of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies
European Commission takes a stand against the inflow of sanctioned timber products from China
Significant progress achieved in talks with Sweden's energy minister on the LaSGO electricity cable study
161 new specialists graduate from the Faculty of Forest and Environmental Sciences
At the Summer Solstice and Midsummer
Memorandum of cooperation signed on managing wild animal populations
Goods exports grew for the fourth consecutive month in April
Number of people forced to flee by war shockingly high over the past decade
A new site in Zemgale where the browntail moth, a pest dangerous to human health, has multiplied
Almost 30 million new trees planted during the spring forest regeneration season
Take part in the 11th European Sustainable Development Week – show how your organisation is building a responsible future!
“Baltic Waste & Energy Group” plans to build the first CO₂-negative cogeneration plant in the Baltics
New seed processing plant opens in Latvia following a 10 million euro investment
Ministry of Economics to reorganise 9 capital companies
Chairman of the Board of “Latvijas Finieris”: in 2024 we achieved considerable progress in several areas of development
Merger of SIA “Linas Agro” and SIA “Elagro Trade” completed
Eurobarometer shows record-high trust in the EU, strong support for the euro and for a common defence and security policy
Opening of “Latvijas Finieris” wooden building complex at the “Zābaki” tree nursery
Changes in the management of AS “Latvijas Finieris”
To improve the company's financial results, “Stora Enso” is selling part of its forest holdings in Sweden
The State Forest Service urges people to report invasive animal species
Latvian Forest Days 2025
In economically challenging times, AS “Latvijas valsts meži” achieved outstanding performance in 2024
Latvia to host OECD seminar “Forestry for the Future: Bringing Stakeholders Together for Climate Policy and Sustainable Growth”
Foundation stone laid for a wind farm built on local capital and innovation in Latvia
Foundation stone laid for the “Laflora Energy” wind farm
The large-scale forest education festival “Latvijas Meža dienas” takes place this weekend
“Latvijas valsts meži” announces an auction for the award of hunting rights lease
Will fees for permits and season cards rise? New amendments to the regulations announced
A new tool for learning – the LLKC Repository
LBTU announces open competition for the dean posts of four faculties
“Latvijas Meža dienas” to offer a wide-ranging programme for young and old alike
Local authorities and their residents will have greater influence over the implementation of renewable energy projects in their district
Rapid growth in construction in the first quarter of the year
Members of the European Parliament agree to change the protection status of wolves in the European Union
“Stiga RM”: National defence is a strategic priority, so the best possible solution must be found
Land resources must be used meaningfully
Opening of the Independence Square and Freedom Road exhibition in Ogre
On the Day of the Restoration of Independence of the Republic of Latvia
EU informal environment ministers' meeting discusses climate change adaptation and disinformation
Letter to the Minister of Agriculture, “On the management of the red deer population”
Ecodesign for Sustainable Products and Energy Labelling Working Plan for 2025-2030 published
Sand Sculpture Festival approaches in Jelgava
This week we meet at the Latvian Plant Parade
AS “Latvijas valsts meži” rejects the false information that has been circulating about wind farms
“Stiga RM” invests 6 million euros in a new plywood further-processing plant in Kuldīga
As every spring, the forest comes to Jelgava once again
First regional office of the Ministry of Economics opens in Jelgava
26 April: Latvian National Botanic Garden plant market and Spring Mushroom Symposium.
Study conducted in Finland shows that the cost of logging restrictions would run to billions of euros in losses
Educational and community events will be held across Latvia during “Forest Days”
Waiting for Easter — and welcoming it...
Green light from the Council of Europe: another positive step towards changing the wolf's protection status
Plant trees outside the forest and join the EU initiative “3 Billion Trees”!
The potential impact of Russian timber on wood product markets worldwide
European Parliament Budget Committee delegation to assess Latvia's readiness in defence and climate change
Express exhibition “Young Wild Animals”
“Latvijas finieris” named Latvia's best employer last year
Flag consecration marks the 35th anniversary of the Latvian Forest Sector Trade Union
US President grants the Forest Service sweeping new powers
Local election candidates must offer effective and targeted solutions for business development in the regions
Felling permits show a 30% drop
Ombudsman's recommendation supported – deforestation may be offset by establishing forest elsewhere
A timber-concrete frame could be the next major innovation in housing construction
Developments in the European Union – policy, climate, environment and energy
Governor of the Bank of Finland Olli Rehn criticises the European emissions trading system: “It creates inequality between member states”
Kaspars Melnis debates clean industry development and global environmental policy at the European Union Environment Council
Differences of even decades – old forests are defined differently in Finland and Sweden
The Finnish government sets criteria for old-growth forests. They will not apply to commercially managed forests
“Latvijas valsts meži” is the first in Latvia to receive PEFC RED II certification for sustainably produced wood energy products
Europe's 2040 climate target and the prospects for meeting it
Foundation slab completed for the future AS “Latvijas Finieris” resin plant
Nature's supermarket and a safety net – how the forest feeds the world
Compensation confusion in restrictions on real estate rights – study reveals shortcomings in the regulatory framework
Sustainable Procurement Day to be held in Latvia for the first time
A common beech from Poland has been voted “European Tree of the Year 2025”. The Mēru Grand Oak in 8th place
Meeting to seek compromise on managing the red deer population
Latvian entrepreneurs invited to apply for the Entrepreneurship World Cup 2025
State Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Ģirts Krūmiņš discusses cooperation in forestry with Ukrainian representatives
The Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will affect every link in the timber supply chain worldwide
A ban on forestry activity has been in force in specially protected nature areas since 15 March
Forest planting work begins in state forests this week
Latvian Construction Year Award 2024
Fair competition must not be distorted for the sake of potential investors. An open letter
Getting to know the sustainable fuel plant at the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm
Slowly recovering lost ground
In today's geopolitical circumstances, the customary unhurried pace is dangerous
“ACA Timber” acquires “Metsä Forest Latvia”
Addressing the Threat to National Security from Imports of Timber and Lumber
18 US states want President Trump to reject the EUDR rules
Review of AS “Latvijas valsts meži” performance results for 2024
Opportunity to nominate candidates for the Nordic Council Environment Prize 2025
On Forest State Register maintenance work
University of Latvia researchers to begin monitoring in the peatland areas being restored by Latvijas valsts mezi
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024/2025 report: fear of failure and slow adoption of artificial intelligence are holding entrepreneurs in Latvia back
In April, RTU will host the “Baltic Wood Building Forum 2025”
European climate and energy policy programme calendar of events 2025
More efficient forest regeneration under the LAD support programme with LVM forest seedlings
A significant step in the development of social dialogue in the forest sector
Timber industry future forum “From the forest to the world market: how can we give Latvia's economic engine extra power?”
The State Audit Office expands the Local Government Handbook – new chapter devoted to forest governance and management
The Ministry of Agriculture simplifies changes of land use type for landowners and reduces administrative costs
European Tree of the Year. Take part and vote!
“Latvijas Finieris” announces 25 work placements in 13 professions
The University of Latvia and “Latvijas Finieris” launch a major study on the development of the forest sector
Agreement reached on drawing up a new memorandum of cooperation for the future management of the red deer population
LBTU doctoral student Normunds Stivriņš highlights the importance of Zemgale's geology and environment in shaping regional identity
The State Forest Service donates three vehicles and one hundred global navigation satellite devices to Ukraine
Latvijas valsts meži opens its Rietumvidzeme regional client centre at Valmiermuiža
German insurance giant MEAG acquires forest land in Finland
On the availability of funding for businesses in the timber industry
21 March – International Day of Forests
Conserving biological diversity requires strict protection of natural values across 10% of Latvia's territory
Maximum permitted felling volume in state forests in final felling reduced by 9.5 percent for the next five years
“Stiga RM” calls for support for a historic opportunity to reclaim Latvian land
First steps towards cutting red tape. Construction
Wolf damage continues to increase – dogs and livestock mauled, the Ministry of Agriculture calls for wolf hunting rules to be reviewed
Laura Anteina to lead the Nature Conservation Agency
Changes in the leadership of the Latvian Hunters' Association
Exhibition “Vārdene” on display at the Riga customer centre of “Latvijas valsts meži”
Farmers and foresters can apply to implement innovations
Oaks, pines and limes are the most commonly registered ancient trees in Latvia
“Latvijas Finieris” begins construction of a new resin factory
Government approves action plan for security and growth in the Eastern border region
Forests and timber – development directions and forecasts for 2025
Brussels and bird hunting: let us turn to the science
ESG – environmental and social issues, corporate governance and sustainability. What should we be watching this year? What will matter in Latvia too?
Consumer protection against greenwashing to be strengthened
HS “Timber Group” has acquired “Vika Wood” SIA from “Bergs Timber” AB
Geopolitics and macroeconomics will shape nature conservation and climate action worldwide in 2025
Support available in the forestry sector
Manufacturing output fell by 2% year on year in November
Europe – politics, energy, the environment. A look at 2025
Secondary school pupils invited to take part in the “LVM Bioeconomy School” scholarship competition
Year-end round-up