Farmers from the Latvian farm Zutiņi urge their fellow citizens to give November to their country — to refuse imported products and eat only local ones, supporting Latvian farmers as a sign of true patriotism, writes Otkrito.lv.
November in Latvia is traditionally considered a month of holidays and patriotism. People pin red-white-red ribbons to their chests, light candles, and decorate the festive table in national colors. But this year, the Latvian farm Zutiņi reached out to all residents of the country on social media and suggested taking a step further — not just to celebrate, but to give this month to Latvia itself.
In their emotional appeal, the farmers urge their fellow citizens not to limit themselves to symbolic gestures but to show love for their homeland through everyday actions — to support Latvian producers and eat only local products.
"November has arrived, the month when we pin a red-white ribbon to our chest, light candles on certain days, and decorate food in national colors. But is that enough?" — the appeal states. "Yes, of course, and that is already quite a lot, but we urge you to take a step further — in a bolder and deeper direction. One that requires a little more effort."
Farmers suggest replacing imported products with Latvian equivalents for one month: lemons with quince, bananas with apples, chia seeds with hemp seeds, sweet potatoes with our nutty pumpkins, and rice with pearl barley.
"Decorate your festive table not with burrata and ciabatta, but with roast meat with cabbage, peas with bacon, maybe pancakes with cranberry jam… We invite you to give November to Latvian farmers — those who plow, sow, plant, and thresh here, who live off this land from spring to autumn and stay here, enduring fog, rain, and snow, rather than going to warm countries for the winter."
The farmers make a special appeal to chefs and opinion leaders, reminding them that true love for one’s land is not just symbolism but actions: "Think, can you pin a red-white ribbon to your chest and at the same time prepare chia pudding with almond milk for the festive table… Is this true love for your land?"
The farmers note that they are not asking for subsidies or special help: "We do not ask for benefits and support. We are hardened by the winds and know how to endure injustice and reproaches. We only ask — maybe one month out of twelve… Give this month to your country and its farmers by choosing Latvian products first."
The appeal concludes with warm words full of hope and love for the land: "If you like it — this month can be turned into a good habit for the whole year. It all starts with good will. As Spriditis would say — it takes courage. Do you have the courage to give your kitchen to Latvia in November?"
Farmers from Zutiņi invite everyone to join the initiative and share their discoveries on social media with the hashtag #UzdāviniNovembriLatvijai — "Give November to Latvia." "We are here if you want to see us. You can find us at markets, in online stores, on farms, which you can always visit. All it takes is a little courage to exchange the convenience of the supermarket for true love for your homeland.
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