News

The most popular myths about peat extraction in Latvia

Although scientists confirm that peat is the most environmentally and climate-friendly substrate throughout its lifecycle, especially when compared to stone wool or coir, numerous myths about peat extraction still persist in Latvia.

Due to specific geographic and climatic conditions, peat forms only in certain regions of the world. As a result, only a limited number of countries have their own peat reserves. In Latvia, peat is considered one of nature’s most valuable resources. Found in the country’s bogs, peat, when managed sustainably, can deliver significant economic benefits. Peatlands cover 10% of Latvia's territory, with 93% of these bogs owned by the state. Latvia is a global leader in peat exports and ranks second worldwide in terms of total peat value, following Canada. In Europe, peat extracted in Latvia accounts for 30% of the gardening market supply.

"Peat is ideal for farming as it is an organic sedimentary material that retains air and allows water to flow through it. It naturally creates a growth-friendly environment, making it highly beneficial for plants," explains Karīna Āboliņa-Zalpētere, executive sales director at "LVM Zemes dzīles". She adds, "At this year’s Baltic Peat Producers Forum, scientists noted that the demand for peat and other renewable resources will continue to grow until 2050, driven by the increasing global population."

Inhabitant survey on peat usage

A study on peat extraction in Latvia, conducted by the research center SKDS in October 2023, reveals that the population places high value on peat’s economic contribution to the country’s economy and exports. The research surveyed 1,010 respondents, with 71% agreeing that peat extraction provides significant benefits to Latvia’s economy, and 69% recognizing it as an important export commodity. According to data from the State Revenue Service, the peat extraction industry contributed 20.3 million euros to the state budget in 2023 and employed 2,300 people in 2022.

Despite the European Green Deal imposing various restrictions on peat usage to achieve climate neutrality, 75% of surveyed Latvians expressed a positive attitude toward peat extraction. Only 11% believed that peat extraction levels should be reduced.

Myth No.1. Peat is a non-renewable resource

Although peat renews very slowly, it is considered a renewable resource. Latvia is home to more than 5,000 peat extraction sites, with industrial mining occurring on approximately 4% of these areas. Scientific studies reveal that in Latvia’s largest peat bogs, such as Teiču and Ķemeru, peat accumulates at a rate of 3 to 5 millimeters per year. Notably, a single cubic meter of peat substrate can support the growth of 6,000 forest seedlings or 7,000 vegetable seedlings, increasing its added value more than 100 times.

Myth No.2. Peat extraction destroys natural territories

In 2024, the recultivation process began on nearly 919 hectares of territories managed by LVM following the completion of peat extraction. Of this area, 675 hectares will be dedicated to forestry, with forests being planted and cultivated, while 244 hectares will be converted into wetlands to promote bog regeneration. By 2025, peat extraction is expected to be completed on an additional 314 hectares, paving the way for further recultivation efforts. Approximately half of this area will be transformed into wetlands, while the remainder will be repurposed as forest land.

“Recultivation is a set of actions carried out after peat extraction to prepare the land for its next useful purpose, such as forestry, farming, renaturalization, or other applications. It is crucial to recultivate peat extraction sites to use the land purposefully and efficiently, giving it a new meaning,” explains Kārlis Volfs, executive production director at "LVM Zemes dzīles".

The recultivation process begins with thorough planning and analysis of the territory. Once peat extraction is complete, a detailed recultivation plan is developed, outlining specific actions to achieve the intended goals, such as filling ditches and preparing the soil for its next use. "LVM Zemes dzīles" actively researches and draws on experience from bog renewal projects in Latvia and abroad to identify the best methods for managing former peat extraction sites.

A recent survey by SKDS found that slightly more than half of respondents (51%) believe that areas previously used for peat extraction should be converted back into bogs. Additionally, 43% of respondents suggested these sites be turned into forests, 36% advocated for farming use, and 13% supported repurposing the areas for solar and wind park construction.

Myth No.3. Peat is used only in energy production

In Latvia, peat is primarily used for gardening rather than energy production. However, starting in 2030, the use of peat for energy generation will be prohibited. Peat serves as a foundation for substrates used in urban greening and the cultivation of forest plants, vegetables, mushrooms, and herbs. LVM also utilizes peat substrates to grow its forest seedlings.

Using peat substrates for plant and forest seedling cultivation can contribute to achieving climate goals by promoting forest regeneration, which is essential for sustainability. Forest regeneration depends on high-quality forest seedlings, and currently, peat substrates provide the most favorable growing environment for them.

A survey revealed that 59% of respondents in Latvia use peat, while 64% stated they would not be willing to pay higher prices for wood, vegetables, or ornamental plants if these products were grown without peat.

Myth No.4. Peat extraction harms the environment

Peat is a crucial natural resource for Latvia, playing significant roles in both energy production and gardening. In recent years, however, increasing attention has been directed toward the sustainable use of peat and the restoration of environments impacted by peat extraction. To mitigate the effects of peat extraction on ecosystems, countries engaged in this activity are actively seeking innovative solutions to rejuvenate historically or recently extracted areas. Restoring natural bog processes—where peat can regenerate over time from plant mass and moss—requires a focus on forest planting and water level regulation.

Recultivation projects in historical peat extraction sites often cover vast areas, spanning several hundred hectares. These projects aim to restore the unique ecological values of bog environments, supporting biodiversity while creating a sustainable and balanced future.

Research conducted by SKDS shows that 21% of respondents believe peat extraction volumes in Latvia should be increased, while 43% think current extraction levels should be maintained.

Compared to 2018 data, there has been a slight decline in the percentage of respondents who consider peat extraction harmful to nature, dropping from 44% to 38%. Additionally, the percentage of respondents disagreeing that peat extraction reduces opportunities for berry and mushroom picking has risen from 44% to 49%.

“Peat usage—from extraction to substrate production and its further application in seedling plantations—must be analyzed throughout its entire lifecycle. Currently, the focus is disproportionately placed on the CO2 emissions caused by peat extraction, overlooking the broader benefits of peat substrates. For instance, when combined with plant and tree seedlings, peat substrates enter the soil where decomposition is much slower, and the plants and trees grown in this environment actively sequester CO2,” explains Kristīne Ansone, director of “LVM Zemes dzīles.”

She continues, “Recultivation of unprocessed extraction sites is equally critical. In historically extracted areas where the land has not been fully processed, the territory often remains infertile, prone to fires, and sparsely vegetated due to adverse weather and inadequate moisture levels. Continuing peat extraction in such territories can enable more effective recultivation in the future. Peat remains a vital resource, both in Latvia and globally. In the coming years “LVM Zemes dzīles” plans to conduct and participate in research that objectively evaluates the role of peat as a mineral resource, its environmental impact, and its influence on climate change and ecosystem quality.”

Joint-stock company “Latvia’s State Forests” (LVM) manages the majority of Latvia’s peat extraction sites, covering 16.8 thousand hectares, where tenants carry out peat extraction operations.