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Agrarian Policy

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Ekon2130, Theory of Economics

LauZ2046, Agricultural Resources

LauZ3175, Agroecology and environmental protection

Course abstract

Agricultural reforms and formation of agricultural policy during the lifetime of the State of Latvia. The process of globalisation and climate change, its impact on the agricultural sector. Impact of European Union and global agricultural policies on Latvian agricultural policy. Participation of policy-makers and implementing bodies in Latvia and the EU, farmers' organisations. The formation of the EU's common agricultural policy, its objectives, basic principles and methods. Latvia's participation in the EU single market, benefits and disadvantages. The agricultural and rural development programme and its implementation mechanism. Aspects of sustainable agriculture and rural development policy. EU and State aid policy for agricultural and rural development.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Students’ gains knowledge of the formation of agricultural policy, factors influencing it, its place in the spectrum of other policies.
Skills to identify factors affecting agricultural policy, analyse the progress of policy-making and the impact on production. Be competent to participate in the policy-making process through farmers' organisations or institutions.
1. Knowledge of the history of agricultural policy development, the consequences and importance of agricultural reforms in Latvia – electronically executed test
2. Knowledge of global and local policy-influencing factors, agricultural and rural development planning in the EU and Latvia – quiz 1
3. Supervise the principles for the preparation and implementation of the agricultural and rural development programme, the authorities involved – quiz 2
4. Capable of analysing the feasibility of introducing climate change mitigation measures in businesses – practical work

5. Capable of producing presentations and information materials on the impact of political factors on sustainable agricultural production – presentation at the workshop

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Formation of agricultural policy during the lifetime of the State of Latvia.
2. Agrarian reforms, the ways in which they are implemented and the impact on rural development during the lifetime of the State of Latvia.
3. The process of globalisation and its impact on the agricultural sector.
4. Introduction of a responsible climate policy in Latvia in relation to agriculture.
5. Agricultural and rural development planning periods in the European Union and in the Member States.
Quiz 1: global and local policy impacts, agricultural and rural development planning in the EU and Latvia

6. Structure of agricultural management in the EU and Latvia.
7. Farmers' organisations in Latvia, their involvement in policy-making.
8. Preparation and implementation of the agricultural and rural development programme in Latvia.
9. Political decisions and their impact on sustainable agricultural and rural development.
Quiz 2: principles for the preparation and implementation of the Agricultural and Rural Development Programme, institutions involved

10. Common market policy for cereals and oil plants in the EU and Latvia.
11. Milk and milk products production policy in the EU and Latvia.
12. Beef and veal sector policy in the EU and Latvia.
Workshop: impact of political decisions on agricultural production sectors
13. Policy on the production of pig, sheep, goat and poultry meat and eggs in the EU and Latvia.
14. Non-traditional agricultural products and potato production policy in the EU and Latvia.
15. Development policy for organic farming in the EU and Latvia.
16. Development policy for fruit and vegetable production in the EU and Latvia.

Workshop: impact of political decisions on agricultural production sectors.

Requirements for awarding credit points

Test.
The counting task shall consist of:
• two quizzes on the theoretical substance of the study course;
• test about theoretical questions learned during the course of study;
• practical task on topics learned during the course;
• report and presentation in the student group.

Quizzes, practical work and the report must be credited for receiving an accumulating rating. Students may, if they wish, sort out the credits for a higher rating.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Presentation about impact of the various factors on the agricultural production sectors.
Literature studies, preparation and presentation of results of practical works.
Group work during practice.

Preparing for quizzes.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The assessment of the study course depends on the cumulative assessment of the tests and presentations of the study course.
Practical works must be carried out in accordance with the instructions; assessment — credited/uncredited

All quizzes and works must be successfully completed.

Compulsory reading

1. Boruks A. (2003). Zemnieks, zeme un zemkopība Latvijā. No senākiem laikiem līdz mūsdienām. Jelgava, LLU, 717 lpp.

2. Kas Latvijas uzņēmējam jāzina par Eiropas Savienību?: (2003). Sast. T. Volkova. Apgāds „Rasa ABC”, 238 lpp.

Further reading

1. Fontēns P. (2007). 12 jautājumi par Eiropu. Luksemburga, Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālo publikāciju birojs, 62. lpp.
2. Kā darbojas Eiropas Savienība? ES iestāžu ceļvedis (2007). Luksemburga, Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālo publikāciju birojs, 50. lpp.

3. Šūmans R. (2000). Eiropai. Rīga, Zvaigzne ABC, 121 lpp.

Periodicals and other sources

1. Kopējā lauksaimniecības politika. Tiešsaiste: https://www.zm.gov.lv/lauksaimnieciba/statiskas-lapas/kopeja-lauksaimniecibas-politika?nid=530#jump
2. Lauksaimniecība un lauku attīstība. Tiešsaiste: https://ec.europa.eu/agriculture/rural-development-2014-2020_lv
3. Agro Tops. Rīga: Aģentūra Agro apgāds. ISSN 1407-5164
4. Saimnieks LV. Rīga: TEE BIO, 2004. ISSN 1691-1598

5. Profesionālā dārzkopība. APP “Dārzkopības institūts”, pieejams tiešsaistē: http://fruittechcentre.eu/lv/profesionala-darzkopiba

Notes

Compulsory course for study program Professional Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences, qualification Manager of Agricultural Enterprise for full-time students in semester 4, part-time students in semester 3