Development of the horticultural industry and creation of knowledge for the welfare of society

Goal – through the availability of knowledge gained in scientific research, to promote public education, equality, integration and well-being, national security, sustainable development of social, economic and cultural capital, as well as the impact on the development of the RIS3 area – knowledge-intensive bioeconomy.


Priority research topics :

  • Dissemination and accessibility of knowledge and innovations generated in horticulture to the industry (AKIS – Effective Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation Systems);
  • Developing communication and creating cooperation models, including consulting, between stakeholders in the development of the horticulture industry (AKIS);
  • Identifying industry needs, e.g. in terms of knowledge (AKIS);
  • Investment in the local, international competitiveness and export capacity of horticulture and food companies (contracts with companies, licenses, patents);
  • Participation in all levels of education (preschool, primary school, secondary school, higher education, lifelong learning, interest education) – sharing knowledge, engaging in the learning process - informing about scientifically based findings, as well as guiding and advising on research work (student research papers, bachelor's and qualification theses, master's and doctoral theses), availability of DI infrastructure for teaching and research needs;
  • Lobbying for the implementation of scientifically based new findings - involvement in policy making, development of regulatory enactments, cooperation with NGOs;
  • International recognition of the results of scientific activity – participation in international organisations, events, their organisation, publication of research results in internationally recognised publications;
  • Research, preservation, and ensuring accessibility to the general public and popularisation of intangible and tangible evidence of the development of horticultural science and education, the lives of outstanding horticulturists, and the history and traditions of horticulture in Latvia;
  • Enriching the Latvian cultural space with horticultural science experience – open collection of genetic resources, organising thematic events, and sharing knowledge with the broader public.

Performance indicators: information channels, events, documents, publications, participation in organisations, recommendations, target audience covered, territory covered 
Taking in consideration the availability of scientific equipment, scientist expertise and resources, the basic biological research for horticulture science will be conducted in collaboration with University of Latvia (Faculty of Biology), Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (Faculty of Agriculture Food Technology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute "Agrihort"), as well as with Daugavpils University, Latvian State Forest Research Institute "Silava", and Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre.

Participating units of the Institute of Horticulture: