Harvest in Latvia in 2026: First Forecasts Have Emerged 0 10

According to a conducted study, only 18% of Latvian farmers expect an improvement in the harvest this year, while half tend to evaluate the outcome as the same as last year, and 9% predict a worse harvest.

Meanwhile, in neighboring countries, farmers are more optimistic. In Lithuania, 48% hope for a harvest similar to last year, while 26% expect better results. In Estonia, 66% of farmers anticipate a higher harvest compared to last year, and 25% predict similar performance.

The study also shows that forecasts depend on the size of the farm. In small farms, up to 70 hectares, 17% expect improvements, while only 3% anticipate a worse harvest. In medium-sized farms (from 71 to 300 hectares), optimism is slightly higher: 22% hope for a better result, 9% are pessimistic, and nearly half predict the same harvest as last year.

In large farms (from 301 to 700 hectares), there is more caution: only 13% believe the harvest will be better, 16% expect negative scenarios, and half hope for the same result. The largest farms (over 701 hectares) demonstrate the greatest stability in forecasts — 60% expect the same harvest as last year, and only 14% anticipate an improvement, although it should be noted that such conservatism is explained by the high investments and risks associated with the operation of such enterprises.

The authors of the survey emphasize that this cautious attitude is related both to last year's difficulties and to the growing uncertainty caused by climate changes, weather fluctuations, and the economic situation.

Ravis Makssis, head of the grain procurement department at "Linas Agro," says:

— "Last year was challenging: due to heavy rains, frozen crops, and pests, the harvest was at risk. This year, the situation is better: the winter was moderate, and the snow really helped. The forecasts are encouraging, although no scenario excludes risks."

"Overall," he adds, "the future depends not only on weather conditions but also on the ability to adapt, apply new methods, and technologies to increase efficiency."