Jānis Birzkalns' farming journey in the Saulkrasti municipality did not begin in the fields, but rather with engineering solutions in heating and plumbing, a field in which he has been successfully working since 2014. However, in 2020, a new passion entered his professional life: agriculture. By combining technical precision with horticulture, he has created a modern farm in Sējas Parish where traditional raspberry cultivation meets modern technology.
The farm's operations are based on an integrated cultivation method that enables smart, environmentally friendly farming. Initially, the main focus was on autumn raspberries, which are cultivated in plastic tunnels to ensure high-quality berries and extend the harvest period. However, Jānis's spirit of research encouraged him to experiment further. An experiment carried out in 2021 involving 1,100 lettuce seedlings in a hydroponic system between rows of raspberries proved so successful that it formed the basis for ambitious development.
The farm has now undergone significant changes, with the installation of modern tunnel greenhouses and the construction of kilometre-long hydroponic troughs where green leafy salads and herbs are cultivated in a controlled environment with nutrient-enriched water. This system enables the growth of up to 15,000 fresh seedlings per season without compromising quality. To offer customers a full range of vegetables, Jānis also grows classic produce such as crisp radishes, juicy carrots and various greens in open field beds. Together with modern technologies, these form a stable, innovative and future-oriented farming model.
