Allotment gardens are often the scene of completely unacceptable and reckless behaviour, said Anitra Lestlande, Head of the Integrated Plant Protection Division at the State Plant Protection Service (VAAD), in an interview with the portal Jauns.lv. She emphasised that, at times, entirely unsuitable and even hazardous substances that are not authorised in Latvia are being used to control plant pests and diseases.

"Pests and diseases do not distinguish where they strike. They can be found in the fields of professional farmers just as easily as in allotment gardens. Moreover, sometimes they can be even more prevalent in allotment gardens. This is particularly common in areas where allotments are densely packed, such as in residential neighbourhoods and summer cottage cooperatives, where gardens are located next to each other and contain a great variety of crops. Consequently, the biodiversity, from the perspective of diseases and pests, is quite high," said Anitra Lestlande.