COVID-19 has not affected the agricultural sector significantly in Latvia, with the exception of the dairy sector. Milk prices declined by 10% to more than 20% and still have not returned to normal levels.
"[Milk prices have declined] very differently. As always in Latvia, it depends on the region, the supplier, the structure of the farms," pointed out Dzelzkalēja-Burmistre.
Agriculture also has problems with the lack of seasonal farm workers, particularly at the beginning of the autumn, as students, pupils and teachers cannot be employed. Overall, one to two thousand seasonal workers could be needed this season.
There are individual cases where people who lost their jobs in the COVID-19 crisis go to work in agriculture, but this is not massive. Gross salary is €800-1000.
"In any case, work is heavy enough and social guarantees are currently provided at a sufficiently high level. And we don't see more motivation to go to work,” added Dzelzkalēja-Burmistre.
