Farmers' Knowledge and Use of Biological Plant Protection in Latvia

Biological plant protection (BPP) is increasingly recognized as a sustainable crop protection solution in Latvia, particularly among organic, small-scale, and greenhouse farmers in the Vidzeme region. These farmers rely on experience-based methods such as spraying slurry, using plant-based infusions, practicing crop rotation, and employing companion planting with pest-repellent crops. They report these techniques to be effective, cost-efficient, and easy to implement, with knowledge often passed down informally across generations. Despite their effectiveness, commercial BPP products remain underutilized due to limited access to information, scientific evidence, and advisory support. The findings highlight the need to strengthen agricultural education and advisory services to promote broader, more informed adoption of both non-commercial and commercial BPP methods, while integrating existing local knowledge.