We have published a handbook „How to open your farm shop”. It is aimed at home producers and other small entrepreneurs who are willing to open own shop and cut the way and costs of their produce to reach the market. The handbook introduces topics that will come up in the process of planning and creating a farm shop – from legislation to design of premises and marketing. Each topic is illustrated with practical examples and references where to find further detailed information. The handbook is available in Latvian, Estonian and Norwegian languages.

General handbook content structure in English
Latvian language version
Estonian language version
Norwegian language version

The summer solstice in June 21-23 is one of the major Latvian summer festivities. Even convinced city people feel tempted to head out for the countryside and be a part of the overwhelming festive mood. Celebrations have to be prepared well in advance with special sort of cheese made, beer brewed, the festive place prepared, the house and yard decorated.  There are ancient rituals and beliefs that have to be carried out for fertility of people and earth, to repel evil spirits. How to celebrate – this is up to you. Some will prefer sitting by the fire, eating delicious Jāņu  cheese, drinking beer and singing songs with the traditional refrain Līgo, others would join the mystery and magic of ancient Midsummer rituals. To understand what this is all about read more about the Midsummer or Summer Solstice traditions and beliefs. Festive food is a significant part of the celebration with the specialty of the day – the Jāņu cheese. Get to know about its origins and meaning here, and feel tempted to enjoy Midsummer in the countryside!

The summer solstice events 2017 (LV).

It’s time to head for the flowering meadows, gather wild flowers, make flower and oak wreaths, and get ready to celebrate Jāņi or Midsummer – on of the most important Latvian national festivities. How to do it? Shall we just sit by a bonfire or join some charismatic ritual practices? Here are ideas – we have collected information on events all over Latvia, from Jūrkalne in the West to Riga and from Riga to Balvi in the East, and we recommend to celebrate Jāņi in the countryside!
Our web site features a new section dedicated to Midsummer celebration and it shortly introduces the traditions, beliefs, festive food, especially, the Jāņu cheese: http://www.celotajs.lv/lv/c/wrth/traditions/events/midsummer.

Did you know that EU is the world’s largest cheese market and there are over 240 varieties of cheese that are protected under EC schemes for protection of agricultural products and food staffs? Three quality logos attest to their specific traditions and qualities: the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) and the Traditional Speciality Guaranteed (TSG).

 Here you will find information on how 6 countries cooperate to promote cheese as a reason for travelling - going on a cheese tasting tour in home country and abroad. Touring routes, information about cheese festivals, types and sorts of cheese and cheese producers in Canary islands, Malta, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Italy and Latvia.

Find more information on Latvian „Cheese master” routes and cheese farms in our website www.celotajs.lv/lv/c/brand/cheese. Many of these participate in the Countryside Open Days event in May 27-28 this year. Check also the „Tasty cheese tour” website  http://www.tastycheesetour.eu.

We are ready with a new theme in our web site – Tasty Cheese Tour.
Find out about types and sorts of cheese that are produced in small facilities located in rural areas, and venture for a cheese tour to enjoy the variety of tastes and products! Farms and manufacturing facilities that prove mastery in cheese making, can talk about the process with visitors, and offer samples for tasting or buying are awarded with the title Cheese Master.

Latvian Country Tourism Association "Baltic Country Holidays" (Lauku celotajs) together with Estonian Rural Tourism association and regional tourism association in southern Finland "Visit South Coast Finland" have developed promotional material for Japanese target audience about tourism possibilities in the countryside and nature of The Baltic States and southern Finland.

Latvian Country Tourism Association "Lauku ceļotājs" has developed a brochure "Tasty Cheese Tour" (Gardā siera ceļš). The title "Sierzinis" is awarded to farms and manufacturing facilities that prove mastery in cheese making, can talk about the process with visitors, and offer samples for tasting or buying.  The title is also awarded to rural saloons, restaurants and other venues that offer locally made cheeses on their menus.

To developing the Culinary Routes network in the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea in order to strengthen identity and the feeling of belonging together the Baltic sea Culinary Routes project partners have produced a brochure.

The ERASMUS+ programme project "UPSKILL" aims at developing the skills of early drop-outs and low qualified adult through the development of an innovative short term study programme. Five partners from Turkey, Latvia, Spain, Italy and Austria have developed an analysis report on key skills for the tourism sector as well as an deriving model for the attribution of ECVET credits with key knowledge, skills and competences. 

After almost 18 month of work, the “Seniors Go Rural” project presents the results of its activities.  A reduced yet comprehensive list of rules and requirements sets the frame for age-group friendly tourism services.  Based on these criteria, new and innovative products were created and tested.  The “Silver Suitcase” logo identifies adequate services to the target group, and the associated Guest Card provides special conditions and value-added services to them. 

All offers for seniors you can find here: http://www.celotajs.lv/en/c/accomm/seniors