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Vidzeme

P24 VPR 01 Vidzemes planosanas regions

CRFS Lab description

Main aim  and objective of the CRFS Lab are: 

Vidzeme CRFS Lab identifies the best strategies to establish and maintain a sustainable regional food system, as well as strengthen relationships between food chain stakeholders.

The key specific objectives, identified needs or problems that the CRFS Lab aims to address:
  • Engage the local community for their needs assessment for more resilient, sustainable food system.
  • Identify good practises and problems at the regional, national, and international levels in order to establish regional food systems and short food chains that function well
  • Develop and test innovative approaches and tools for establishing and strengthening short supply chains in collaboration with local communities
The primary solutions that the lab intends to pursue during project implementation are:
  • Encourage improvement of regulatory framework of green public food procurement
  • Create local initiatives that promote the development of short food supply chains.
  • Create various forms of cooperation and achieve positive changes in the food consumption behaviour of the population/consumers
  • Develop and test innovative/new business models, production, storage, and delivery solutions
Living Lab Team
  • Lienīte Priedāja-Klepere (VPR)
  • Lelde Ābele (VPR)
  • Irīna Kulitāne (VPR)
  • Zane Kaķe (VPR)
  • Zane Siliņa (LLF)
  • Aiva Apša-Ķīšeniece (LLF)
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Learn more about this Lab

Vidzeme

Latvia

The Vidzeme planning region in Latvia’s North East is a thriving area due to its strategic location intersecting major international transport corridors. Boasting abundant natural resources, the region’s economy thrives in sectors like agriculture, forestry, and manufacturing (wood and food industries). The region’s natural resources also facilitate the growth of tourism and health services. Vidzeme’s economic development is shaped by diverse bioeconomy sectors. Additionally, the region houses research institutions like The Institute for Environmental Solutions, and the Latvian High Added Value and Healthy Food Cluster, driving innovation in products, technologies, and services. With its rich resources, Vidzeme is a promising destination for growth and development.

Vidzeme, the northern region of Latvia, holds the distinction of being the largest region in the country, covering 30.6% of its territory. Vidzeme is the European Union’s border region. Despite its vast size, Vidzeme is the least populated region in Latvia, with a population of 278 792, accounting for only 14.7% of the total population. Consequently, it also boasts the lowest population density in the country, with just 16,27 people per square kilometer, compared to the national average of 30. Vidzeme is home to several key industries, including dairy, forestry, wood processing, metalworking, chemical industry, ICT, tourism, and creative industries.

Cities2030 partner organizations participating in Vizdeme CRFS Lab

Within the framework of Cities2030 project, the Vidzeme region is represented by two project partners. Their collaboration is built upon the shared understanding that each one contributes with their available resources and expertise for the successful implementation of the project. The project activities directly linked to supporting the pilot area (Vidzeme planning region), are mutually coordinated by two organizations:

The Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR, P24) ensures the involvement of residents and local municipalities in identifying the most pertinent challenges faced by the regional food system. VPR also plays a vital role in piloting solutions with target groups, while striving to enhance policies, strategies, action plans, and regulations at both regional and national levels. For more information about VPR, please visit: http://www.vidzeme.lv/en/about_vidzeme

The Latvian Rural Forum (LLF, P25) collaborates with public-private partnerships, local producers, communities, and initiatives. LLF provides recommendations for policy frameworks and implementation methods for green activities, specifically within the context of sustainable food, as part of the Rural Development Program (RDP) and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) LEADER initiative.