CONFERENCEThe competition was organized by the Cooperation Council of Farmers Organisations ( CCFO), Armands Krauze, member of the European Economic and Social Committee ( EESC) and Laimdota Straujuma, Latvian Minister of Agriculture.
The contest aimed at encouraging university students to actively contribute to developing strategies for the Common Agricultural policy, a well as to promote Latvian farmers’ interests and achieve a favourable EU multiannual budget for the next period.
The final was held at the Ministry of Agriculture, November, 7, where top 6 project creators presented their ideas. Their performances were assessed by a professional jury consisting of Armands Krauze, member of the European Economic and Social Committee ( EESC), Laimdota Straujuma, Latvian Minister of Agriculture, Indra Cimermane, executive director of the CCFO, Agita Hauka, executive of the CCFO and Uldis Graudins, reporter of Latvijas Avīze ( Latvia’s Newspaper).
The Grand Prize of 1,000 euros was awarded to Karina Oborune, UL doctoral student, who developed her project together with her sister Marite Oborune. Her presentation provided 17 fresh ideas advocating Latvian farmers’ interests to the EU level.
„ At first we were afraid to participate and didn’t believe we might get in the finals. We redesigned our presentation for several times before submitting. We believed it shoudn’t have been written in a traditional academic and theory-based way, especially for the jury dealing with that kind of projects every day. And our idea really hit the bull’s-eye. Our presention introduces nothing but ideas. On the one hand, it’s great to have a new and exciting idea, but on the other hand, its implementation should also be considered important. I’m familiar with agricultural sector concerns because I’m also a farmer who receives subsidies. I wish Latvian farmers enough strength to fight for fair 2014-2020 direct payments. More, I suggest them improving language proficiency, especially English skills. Without these skills no one will be able either to sell one’s products in Europe or represent one’s interests,” says Karina, who herself is going to apply for internship in the European Comission. It would give her an opportunity to gain new experience and implement some winning ideas.
Translated by students of the professional study programme Translator of the University of Latvia.