Project Number 25-00-C0LA1601-000015
Project Start 01/01/2026
Project End 31/01/2029
Project Manager Arta Kronberga
Project participants from LPKS "Lādzeres grauds", "Piesaule," a farm (ZS) in the rural territory of Valdemārpils, I. Valdzers, Laidze parish farm (ZS) "Cukuriņi," farm (ZS) "Sārāji," Dzintars Šmits, and LLC (SIA) "Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre" met at the Institute of Horticulture on January 9, 2026, to introduce themselves and agree on the tasks for the first stage of the project.
In recent years, hemp cultivation areas in Latvia have been increasing, further encouraged by the introduction of new varieties of Latvian origin into production. Most hemp acreage is currently used for seed harvesting. However, hemp areas still account for only 0.12% of the total areas declared for support, due to several reasons: hemp cultivation requires a solid knowledge base and technology, and a broad processing and marketing network has not yet been developed in Latvia. The majority of the harvested seed crop is exported as unprocessed seeds. Consequently, hemp cultivation areas and income could be significantly increased if processing were developed.
The Agricultural Services Cooperative Society (LPKS) ‘Lādzeres grauds’ unites farms that cultivate hemp in an area of approximately 450-500 ha. In 2023, the company established the brand “KANEPEX” to promote hemp seed processing and currently offers high-quality hemp products to consumers, such as hemp protein powder, hemp oil, and hulled seeds. The company plans to develop the hemp processing industry by offering consumers increasingly new hemp-based products.
The aim of the project is: through collaboration between researchers, farmers, and agricultural product processors, to develop innovative, high-energy, and high-nutritional-value products based on hemp seeds that are suitable for crisis conditions.
pārstrādātājiem, izstrādāt inovatīvus, augstas enerģētiskās un uzturvērtības produktus uz kaņepju sēklu bāzes, kas piemēroti krīzes apstākļiem.
The project will develop two research directions:
- solutions will be sought for a new hemp cultivation technology by changing the female/male plant ratio for dioecious hemp varieties to ultimately increase seed yield.
- the project plans to create innovative new food products with significantly improved properties and technical parameters, produced from local raw materials and using a short supply chain. These products will include nutrient-rich ingredients in convenient portions: hemp seeds, honey products, and sea buckthorn and cranberry processing by-products. The new products are intended as long-term storable items with high energy and nutritional value, usable in crisis situations and by active individuals. This will promote consumer interest and demand for hemp and also boost the export potential of hemp products. By involving small berry and honey processors, local business cooperation is fostered, including the formation of short supply chains (supplier farms are located within 5 to 30 km of LPKS ‘Lādzeres grauds’).
To achieve the project goals, several activities will be carried out:
- Development of methodological protocols for the activities;
- Hemp cultivation technology trials will be conducted at two farms and the Institute of Horticulture for three project years, resulting in descriptions of cultivation technologies;
- Preparation, quality assessment, and delivery of various raw materials (hemp, honey, sea buckthorn, large cranberries) for product preparation tests during the first two years. In the third year, standardized raw materials will be supplied in the required volume for full production cycle prototyping;
- Development of product prototypes during the first two years, evaluating their taste, quality, nutritional value, and shelf life. The best prototypes will be given for tasting to 3 types of potential user groups;
- Development of product specification descriptions for the best products;
- Adaptation of product production to industrial specifics – creating production equipment prototypes and testing product manufacturing within them;
- In the third year, all project participants will test the full production cycle operation, including raw material delivery, scaled production, packaging, and final product quality testing, as well as production cost calculations;
- Project partners will participate in various publicity activities, including exhibitions, organizing two seminars, preparing popular science publications, participating in industry events, and preparing information for the EIP network and partners' websites.
Funding Amount: 293733.73
Source of Funding: European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
Role of the Institute: Leading institution of the project
Projekta veids: Starptautiskais finansējums
Status: Active
