On July 3, 2020, one of the largest and oldest peat extraction and processing companies in Latvia – Laflora – celebrates its 25th anniversary by solemnly raising the Latvian flag in mires of Jelgava municipality.
Fair and responsible business from the first day
Laflora was founded in 1995. By involving entrepreneurs from Germany, a company was created with a predominance of national capital, for peat extraction and production of peat-based products. In 25 years, Laflora has become one of the largest and innovative peat extraction and processing companies in the country, producing peat-based products for horticulture, forestry and agriculture. Laflora exports its peat products to about 100 countries around the world. The Latvian Exporters' Association has been acknowledged Laflora as one of Latvia's most export-capable companies.
Although exports make up the majority of sales, the company's conceptual setting is to offer high-quality products for professional horticulture to the Latvian market, produced according to the recipes of the Institute of Biology, University of Latvia, adapted to Latvian conditions.
Laflora manages three peat bogs in the area of 1934 ha – Kaigu and Drabiņi Mires in Jelgava municipality and Nīcgale Mire in Daugavpils municipality, constantly employing about 250 employees. During the peat extraction season, the number of employees reaches up to 400. Laflora has been recognized as the best employer in Zemgale Region and Jelgava city by both the Latvian Employers' Confederation and self-government of Jelgava Municipality.
In recent years, the company's turnover has been growing. Last year it exceeded 18 million euros; the company paid 3.2 million euros in taxes, and it is recognized as one of the largest taxpayers in Jelgava municipality.
Ziedonis Caune, Chairman of Jelgava Local Municipality Council: “Laflora is one of the most important companies in Jelgava municipality. It has strengthened the growth of the municipality with its tax contribution. Thanks to the high labor standards, it has always been a socially responsible company, and it has won the sympathy and trust of the population. For many years, as long as the law allowed, the company has been a generous patron and donor to both sports and cultural events and projects. The fact that the company intends to work even more sustainably – by creating a wind farm in post-harvested peatlands – gives a sense of pride, because, thanks to the company's growth, also Jelgava district municipality will be able to increase its potential.”
Landlord's attitude to land and peat
Largest part - two of the Laflora peat extraction sites, Kaigu and Drabiņu Mires, are owned by the company. These mires are among the largest peat deposits in country, and the company has introduced and follows the principles of responsible peatlands management.
Responsible peatlands management means that peat is obtained in a sustainable way, the extracted peat is transformed into value-added products, peatlands are returned to economic circulation after the peat extraction is completed, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from peat extraction are compensated.
Laflora implements an extensive program of reclamation, or further use of post-harvested peatlands. Innovative after-use scenarios are being studied in area of 200 hectares in Kaigu Mire in cooperation with scientists. The after-use program is a set of GHG emission compensation measures from peat extraction. These measures provide the reduction of GHG emissions and capture of carbon dioxide (CO2), thus ensuring Laflora's contribution to climate neutrality goals of Latvia.
The company has ambitious development plans. In 2022, the beginning of construction of wind farm in Kaigu Mire is planned. It will be able to provide 5% of Latvia's total electricity consumption per year with “green” electricity, which the company considers to be the next level of compensatory measures.
It is also planned to develop wind farm-supplied greenhouse complexes for growing plants and expand the export of plants, as well as to build a new peat products production factory in Latgale Region – near Nīcgale Mire which is also managed by the company.
The company’s core value – people
Uldis Ameriks, Chairman of the Board of Laflora: “Personal motto for me as a company manager: a happy person in a happy country. The company was built by putting people at its center. It is not only a salary, social guarantees and a pleasant working environment, but also a concern for public education, social activities and involvement in the formulation of various public policies."
Laflora constantly takes the position on topical issues of national development, policy planning and problems affecting the peat sector in Latvia.
In order to create an understanding of peat as a unique natural resource, and its sustainable use, the company engages in educational activities. It organizes field trips to peat bogs, as well as seminars and trainings. Every year, field lectures are held for students in cooperation with major universities.
It is important for Laflora to get involved in cultural and artistic activities, with the aim of promoting the diversification of peat use. In cooperation with Latvian and foreign artists, the company promotes the use of peat as an alternative art, design and interior material, which is an innovation not only in Latvia but also globally.
Laflora has also consistently supported the local community by providing support to people and supporting sports activities.
Ingrīda Krīgere, head of the Latvian Peat Association: “Laflora is an active, responsive and important member of Latvian Peat Association. It cares about the development and future of peat industry. The company is very active in various research projects which are important to the industry; it participates in educational activities, and it is always ready to share advice and experience. We wish Laflora a stable, long and predictable future!”
Additional information: Anda Zakenfelde, Public Relations Manager of the Peat Extraction and Processing Company “Laflora”, +371 26539348, anda.zakenfelde@laflora.lv
