Farmers' protests across Latvia!

More than 1,000 machinery units and farmers took to the streets in 16 cities across Latvia to bring the government's attention to the problems facing the agricultural sector. Later, the protests continued in Riga, gathering nearly 1000 farmers and foresters in front of the Cabinet of Ministers. The protests in Latvia were organised to address national and pan-European concerns, joining protests across Europe. 

Farmers urged the Minister of Agriculture and the Head of Government to impose a ban on imports of Russian and Belarusian food products, called for the 5% VAT rate on fruit and vegetables typical for Latvia to be restored, and reduction of bureaucracy in the agricultural sector. Mobilization of the sector, active communication in the media and social networks, as well as public pressure, triggered the resolution of many previously postponed issues.