On Monday, 2 February 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže, visited Jelgava, where she met with farmers, food producers, and representatives of rural development, environmental, and nature conservation organisations to discuss the sector’s vision and Latvia’s priorities for the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034) negotiations. The Minister met with local entrepreneurs and the management and teaching staff of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies.
The Minister discussed with the management and experts of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies the University’s activities in areas relevant to Latvia’s defence sector and civil protection. For over 20 years, the Food Institute has been producing long-lasting, nutrient-rich dry food rations. During her visit to the newly established Drone Laboratory, which forms part of the University’s Engineering and Energy Institute, the Minister viewed unmanned technologies being developed for various purposes.
At the Future Park industrial park, Baiba Braže visited the Latvian company Nordcrunch’s biological and innovative food production facility, as well as the company Future Wings, one of the first specialised helicopter maintenance centres in Latvia and the Baltics, which also functions as a pilot school.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže:
“It is a pleasure to begin February with such an inspiring visit to the well-maintained and beautiful city of Jelgava and its region, meeting representatives of the innovative companies Nordcrunch and Future Wings. We discussed the ways in which the foreign service can provide support for exports, international cooperation, innovation, and the commercialisation of innovations.
The Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies is already implementing several successful science commercialisation projects, including the production of dry food rations used by the Latvian National Armed Forces and supplied to Ukrainian soldiers. The Food Institute has over 20 years of experience in this field. We also discussed future trends in the food sector with experts.
In connection with the Drone Laboratory, we discussed the role of universities in strengthening national security. At the University, I had the opportunity to visit a completely renovated and equipped shelter.”
At the seminar on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework, the Minister listened to the sector’s views on the main challenges and emphasised that negotiations will aim to ensure sufficient funding for Latvia, covering both cohesion and equal direct payments for farmers. Each sector must fight for the most favourable conditions for Latvian entrepreneurs in the negotiations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs gave interviews to regional media outlets Zemgales reģionālā televīzija and Zemgales Ziņas.