With the support of the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of the Agriculture of the Republic of Latvia and the Latvian Environmental Protection Fund the experts of the Latvia University of Agriculture and the state enterprises "Latvian Plant Protection Research Centre" and "Vides projekti" Ltd have prepared informational edition "Recommendations to localize the Hogweed in Latvia".
Throughout the April month in different regions of Latvia also informational seminars, organized by the State Plant Protection Service and "Vides projekti" Ltd are going on.

The colourful and abundantly illustrated brochure "Recommendations to Localize the Hogweed in Latvia" contains scientifically approved information on history of the hogweed distribution and usage as well as description of the hogweed species. Special attention is paid to the invasive species – the giant Sosnowski’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi Manden), which affects ecosystem in Latvia considerably. The brochure provides information on the best methods of restricting the distribution of the giant hogweed, financial aspects, as well as on work safety measures. The edition also provides recommendations for integrated control of distribution of the Sosnowski's Hogweed and advise on medical assistance after contact with the plants.
All the expertise gathered up to the time being on localizing the hogweed the scientists and experts have collated in the brochure "Recommendations to Localize the Hogweed in Latvia" which is issued within the framework of the year 2006 project "Preparing the Publics for Starting Localization of the Hogweed", implemented by the state owned enterprise "Vides projekti" Ltd.

The most widespread the Sosnowski's Hogweed is in 15 Latvian Districts: Aizkraukle, Madona, Preiļi, Rēzekne, Talsi, Tukums, Valmiera, Limbaži, Liepāja, Kuldīga, Alūksne, Cēsis, Daugavpils, Gulbene and Jēkabpils. Therefore by assistance of the district councils and central libraries of these districts the informational edition "Recommendations to localize the Hogweed in Latvia" will be distributed to the particular municipalities and regional libraries. It is planned that the brochure will be distributed to the target groups also by the Rural Support Service and the Latvian Rural Advisory and Training Centre.

To provide the necessary information for starting the hogweed localization process and to answer the questions of the interested persons, information days are organized in April by the State Plant Protection Service, on four events state owned enterprise "Vides projekti" Ltd are taking part with a lecture on localization of the hogweed:

On 5 April 10.00 hours – in Talsi (premises of the company "Kurzemes sēklas" Ltd, 4 Egļu Street);
On 13 April 10.00 hours – Priekuļi (premises of the State Priekuļi Field Crops Breeding Institute, 1a Zinātnes street);
On 16 April 10.00 hours – Jelgava (Premises of the Rural Support Service, 41a Dobeles Street);
On 19 April 10.00 hours – Madona District Mārciena Parish (premises of Smecere Music Club, highway P37 Pļaviņas – Madona – Gulbene 35th km.

Land owners, who in accordance with the national programme shall eradicate the hogweed in their land properties, are invited to participate in the seminars. During these information days the experts will provide advise and recommendations on what methods are preferably to be used in particular areas, dependent on type of land location and usage, they will also inform on required work safety measures, first aid in case of the hogweed caused burns and on other essential issues related to the hogweed localization.

Additional information:
Agnese Bērziņa, Project Manager, Phone. 7503544
e-mail: agnese.berzina@videsprojekti.lv