Case description
Context
The political framework and action plans to reach the region’s bioeconomy vision is outlined in Vidzeme Planning Region (VPR) Development Program 2021-2027. Vidzeme Planning Region Sustainable Development Strategy 2030 includes the action plan towards a ‘knowledge-based bioeconomy’, focusing on high value-added wood products, production of healthy food and beverages and use of biomass for chemical processing and energy production.
The research of smart specialization of Vidzeme region, bioeconomy action plan and practical activities in Vidzeme region show that region’s weakness towards development of bioeconomy is lack of knowledge. The pilot will tackle the challenge of healthy and sustainable food production and consumption with readily applicable concepts.
Why
There is a need in Vidzeme region to promote development and growth of the regional economy by transforming the models of economic activity. Along with the European Green Deal policy initiative, as well as the Farm to Fork strategy developed within it. Vidzeme Planning Region also puts more and more emphasis on activities and projects that promote the implementation and development of new, more sustainable food systems in the region.
What
One of the main challenges in Vidzeme region regarding the development of sustainable food systems is the lack of knowledge and interaction of actors in food system in such topics as:
- Technologies/ digitalisation
- Circularity
- Sustainability assessment
- Green procurement
Stakeholders
Key Implementers
- Vidzeme Planning Region
Associated Organisation
- Latvian Food Bioeconomy Cluster
Other Stakeholders
- 11 Vidzeme municipalities
- Regional SMEs
- Institute of Agricultural resources and economics
- Vidzeme University of Applied Science
- Business incubators
- Latvian Rural Advisory and training centre
- Latvian Rural Forum
Contact
“KISMET actualises the involvement of more and more interested parties in discussions and actions regarding the development of new agricultural and food industry models, while highlighting the need for a regional food strategy and helping with the development of sustainable food systems in the Vidzeme region and its municipalities.”
Marta Riekstiņa, Vidzeme Planning Region
