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Agrarian Policy

Course developers

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 gain knowledge about formation of agricultural policy, factors influencing it and 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. Competence 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 about global and local factors influencing agricultural policy, understands the place and importance of agricultural policy in the context of related political processes – test 1
3. Knowledge about agricultural and rural development planning in the EU and Latvia, understanding of the interconnections of agricultural policy-making and knowledge about policy-related institutions and organizations – test 2
4. Capable of analysing the possibilities of implementing climate change mitigation measures in agricultural holdings - practical work, presentation in seminar

5. Capable of preparing presentations and informative materials on the impact of political factors on sustainable agricultural production - presentation in seminar

Course Content(Calendar)

Lectures (16 h)
1. Agrarian reforms, types of their implementation and impact on rural development during the existence of the Latvian state. 1 h
2. Formation of agricultural policy during the existence of the Latvian state. 1 h
3. Global processes and their impact on agricultural development.2h
4. The place and role of agricultural policy in the context of other political processes. 2 h
5. Interaction of climate and agricultural policy development, climate change mitigation measures in agriculture. 2 h
6. EU and Latvian policy making processes, decision making, opportunities for public involvement. 2 h
7. The EU single market, the opportunities for farmers and its impact on agricultural development. 2 h
8. Establishment, objectives and development of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. 2 h
9. Latvia's agricultural and rural development planning in the context of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. 2 h

Seminars and practical work (16 h)
1. Assessment of the impact of political factors on sustainable agricultural production. 4 h
2. Assessment of the impact of climate change policy and analysis of the possibilities of implementing climate change mitigation measures in various agricultural sub-sectors. 4 h
3. EU and Latvian farmers' non-governmental organizations and their role in the development of the selected agricultural sub-sector. 4 h

4. Analysis of sectorial policies and policy planning documents in agriculture. 4 h

Requirements for awarding credit points

Test with a mark.
The test task consists of:
 two tests on the theoretical material acquired in the study course;
 test on the theoretical subject acquired in the study course;
 two practical tasks on the topics acquired in the study course;
 paper (essay) and presentation in a group of students.

Tests, practical tasks and paper must be successfully completed to receive the final grade. If desired, students can take a test to receive a higher grade.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Presentation about impact of the various factors on the agricultural production sectors and about possibilities of implementing climate change mitigation measures in various agricultural sub-sectors.

Literature studies, preparation and presentation of the results of practical work.
Group work during practice.
Preparing for tests and quizzes.
Preparing and presentation of paper (essay).

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 tests, practical works and seminars 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.

3. Treisijs M. (1996). Lauksaimniecība un pārtika tirgus ekonomikā. Latvijas Valsts Agrārās Ekonomikas institūts. 406 lpp

Further reading

1. Materiāli Latvijas Agrārās reformas vēsturei (2020). Turaidas muzejrezervāts, Rīga, SIA “DUE”, -399 lpp.
2. Fontēns P. (2007). 12 jautājumi par Eiropu. Luksemburga, Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālo publikāciju birojs, 62 lpp.
3. Kā darbojas Eiropas Savienība? ES iestāžu ceļvedis (2007). Luksemburga, Eiropas Kopienu Oficiālo publikāciju birojs, 50 lpp.

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

Periodicals and other sources

11. Kopējā lauksaimniecības politika. [Tiešsaiste][skatīts 30.04.2021] Pieejams: https://www.zm.gov.lv/lauksaimnieciba/statiskas-lapas/kopeja-lauksaimniecibas-politika?nid=530#jump
2. Lauksaimniecība un lauku attīstība. [Tiešsaiste][skatīts 30.04.2021] Pieejams: 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