Published: 16.03.2023.
Rojupes Silmači - a farm that has been developing for more than 30 years
The Rural Support Service is proud of the achievements of its clients and the successful implementation of projects co-financed by European Union funds.
Rojupes Silmači farm has been operating in the region of Talsi for more than 30 years. Founded in 1994, it has been dairy farming since its foundation, as well as grain farming. In 2025, the herd consists of 156 cattle, including 71 dairy cows. More than 160 ha of agricultural land is managed, growing agricultural grains for food and feed grains for animals.
The farm has successfully implemented several projects co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), gradually becoming more modern. For example, in the livestock sector, the project "Modernisation of dairy infrastructure" was implemented in 2023, a new barn with equipment was built and a milking robot was purchased. The project has implemented innovative solutions for the use of precision technology in livestock farming, with the milking robot ensuring accurate feeding and milking, monitoring the cows' insemination schedule and the health status of the animals. Rojupes Silmači is the first farm in Latvia with DeLaval flexible sleeping circles. The working environment is well-organised and the farm territory is well landscaped.
The farm has also implemented other modern solutions with the help of projects: a telescopic handler and a mower were purchased in 2011, a manure storage was built in 2014 and a skid steer loader and a green-mass winnower were purchased in 2016.
The achievements of Rojupes Silmači farm are also highly appreciated in the municipality, for example, in 2024 the farm won the nomination "Farmer of the Year" in the competition "Talsi Municipality Entrepreneurs of the Year Award".
Rojupes Silmači is a family owned farm that will not stop at what has already been achieved. Currently with the change of generations, owner Nikolajs Kirilovs is introducing his son Kaspars Kirilovs to the work, as knowledge is the most important asset for successful further work.
Investments for sustainable agriculture
Opportunities for rural areas development in Latvia are becoming more extensive. Thanks to the European Union and state funding, farmers have been able to modernize their farms and ensure the growth of their operations.
With assistance of the Rural Support Service of Latvia, farmers can apply for funding for both farm modernization and increasing energy efficiency. For example, the farm "Ulbroka" has made investments over the last 10 years intended for various modernization projects - improving animal welfare, implementing environmental solutions, modernizing greenhouses with innovative technologies and enhancing energy efficiency.
RSS provides simple and understandable support system that helps farmers achieve their project goals. This collaboration is also highly appreciated from the perspective of farmers. As acknowledged by representative of Ltd. "Getliņi Eko": "We are very satisfied with cooperation with the Rural Support Service - this collaboration is quite simple and understandable."
Explore the experience stories shared about the opportunities for sustainable development in the agricultural sector.
English subtitles are available.
Support for small and new farmers
The financing granted by European Union (EU) and state provides various opportunities for young and small farmers in Latvia to develop and expand their activities.
In the new CAP period 2023 - 2027, 20 million euros have been allocated from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development to support small farms. Also 37.2 million euros of EU funding is planned for young farmers to develop their business in the countryside of Latvia.
In this video story, Z/S "Mētras" and the organic farm "Dabas gardumi" describe the implementation process of their projects, possibilities of development with the help of EU funding, as well as the constructive cooperation with the Rural Support Service of Latvia, when applying for support.
Ieva Spriža, owner of "Dabas Gardumi", emphasizes the meaning of decision to apply for EU support and how it has contributed for company's development and competitiveness: "Growth would not have been so fast. All equipment, construction - require very large financial resources. We wouldn't have done it on our own."
English subtitles are available.
Be Innovative in Agriculture
With experience story "Be Innovative in Agriculture" the Rural Support Service of Latvia (RSS) revealed whether and how innovative farmers in Latvia are. RSS expert Juris Cvetkovs described a number of success stories - examples of outstanding innovations. It is a great opportunity for anyone to learn how much our farmers can do. For example, learn how to use sea buckthorn seeds to improve your health, how weed recognition robots works, how to grow cattle from which the "marble" steaks are made etc.
Welcome to see the video story (English captions available).