SIA 'Botanicus' is a family-run fruit farm in the Abava Valley. The cherry orchard dates back to 2012, but development began in 2013 with the planting of the first 1,770 cherry trees. This brought to life the idea of creating a commercial sweet cherry orchard and shifted the company's focus towards fruit cultivation. The orchard currently covers an area of around 9 hectares and contains approximately 5,000 trees, making it a major commercial fruit-growing enterprise in Kurzeme.
Co-financing from EU funds played a crucial role at the outset of its development, enabling the establishment of the orchard’s basic infrastructure and the launch of professional fruit-growing operations. Modern solutions were implemented, including a self-ventilating canopy. Later, an 18,000 m² covering system was installed for the orchard. This ensures rainwater drainage while promoting air circulation beneath the covering, significantly improving yield stability and quality.
Over the years, the orchard has expanded through testing various cherry varieties and cultivation technologies. Additional protective measures have also been gradually implemented, including anti-hail and rain protection systems, as well as harvesting equipment. These measures have significantly strengthened the orchard’s resilience and ensured more stable yield potential.
SIA “Botanicus” is currently the largest commercial orchard for sweet and sour cherries in Latvia and serves as a platform for sharing experience and knowledge. The company’s goal is to develop sustainable cherry cultivation in Latvia by mitigating the impact of climate risks and ensuring stable long-term yield growth.
