With an investment of 10 million euros, SIA “Dotnuva Seeds”, part of the Baltic agricultural group SIA “Linas Agro”, is opening a new seed processing plant in Latvia. The plant is located in Iecava and is expected to process up to 30,000 tonnes of seed a year. The complex covers a total area of 4,550 square metres, comprising a production hall, a warehouse and a two-storey administrative building housing a laboratory, offices and technical rooms. The decision to build the new plant was taken in response to growing demand for certified, high-quality seed material.
“The new plant will allow us to be closer to our customers, to reach Latvian farmers more quickly and efficiently, and to reduce delivery times and costs. This is a significant moment in the company's history, marking growth and development. Our aim is not only to strengthen our competitiveness in the Baltic states, but also to support the development of the agricultural sector across the region,” says Jonas Bakšis (Jonas Bakšys), Chief Executive of SIA “Linas Agro” and a board member of AS “Akola group”.
Mažvīds Šileika (Mažvydas Šileika), Chief Financial Officer of AS “Akola group”, adds: “This investment reflects the group's long-term commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector in the Baltic region. By developing modern infrastructure, we will give local farmers faster access to high-quality seed material and encourage sustainable growth in the agricultural sector. It is a strategic step in line with our plan to become the leader in agriculture in the region.”
The new plant also means more than 20 jobs for the region. It will process both pulse and cereal seed. The plant has been designed so that up to three different types of seed can be handled at the same time without any risk of mixing. This makes it possible to take in raw material, then clean, treat and pack it precisely on three separate lines, preserving varietal purity. The approach provides maximum flexibility and efficiency without compromising quality or traceability.
“Demand for certified seed material is growing in the Baltic states as farmers increasingly appreciate its advantages. Our existing seed plant in Dotnuva, Lithuania, currently produces around 30,000 tonnes of seed a year. The new plant in Latvia will bring benefits both for us and for farmers — faster service, lower logistics costs and the opportunity to adapt varieties to local conditions,” J. Bakšis notes.
Sigits Augs (Sigitas Augas), head of SIA “Dotnuva Seeds” in Lithuania, explains: “The plant is equipped with a range of modern technologies that ensure high-quality seed processing and efficient operation. Vertical transport is handled by bucket elevators without sharp edges, which reduces damage to the kernels. They are fitted with automatic self-cleaning valves that maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of contamination. Horizontal transport uses conveyors with a coating that softens impacts, protecting the kernels from mechanical damage.”
The cleaning equipment is driven by servo motors, allowing operators to programme and save the settings for each production recipe. When a process is repeated, the machinery automatically adjusts to the saved parameters, reducing set-up time and ensuring consistent quality. All production operations can be managed remotely using tablets, giving operators flexibility and full control over the production line from anywhere in the plant.
The plant is also fitted with an innovative dust collection and aspiration system that removes as much dust as possible from the seed during preparation. This improves the quality of seed treatment, allowing protective materials to adhere better to the surface of the seed rather than being absorbed by dust.
About SIA “Linas Agro”:
SIA “Linas Agro” is one of the largest agricultural companies in the region, managing nine businesses in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. It provides a full cycle of agricultural services, from the sale of seed material to grain purchasing. The company is part of AS “Akola Group”.
About SIA “Dotnuva Seeds”:
Since 2003, the “Dotnuva Seeds” plant in Dotnuva, Lithuania, has been producing seed for a variety of agricultural crops. It is sold through SIA “Linas Agro”, with Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia as the main markets. Around 20% of output is exported to other EU countries in line with international quality standards.
About AS “Akola group”:
AS “Akola group” is the largest agricultural and food production group in the Baltic states, employing more than 5,000 people. The group operates across the entire food production chain, from field to table, producing, preparing and selling agricultural and food products, as well as supplying goods and providing services to farmers.