On 8 October, the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economics, Jurģis Miezainis, responding to a call from the Latvian Senior Communities Association, visited a senior school in Riga, where he provided information on current developments in reducing food prices and other initiatives of the Ministry of Economics.
In his presentation, J. Miezainis explained the impact of the Food Trade Memorandum, and also answered seniors’ questions related to electricity prices, heating tariffs, and other current issues.
“Food products included in the low-price food basket have shown a decrease in price, while in Estonia and Lithuania prices have increased. We have established very good cooperation with both retailers and producers. Our initiative has delivered its first results, but work will continue to make food products even more affordable for our residents,” emphasized Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Economics Jurģis Miezainis.
Lilita Kalnāja, Deputy Chair of the Board of the Latvian Senior Communities Association, gave positive feedback on the Ministry’s work, which has resulted in a cooperation agreement on senior education.
“This was the first time we invited a representative of the Ministry of Economics. Last November, Parliamentary Secretary J. Miezainis expressed interest in senior schools in Latvia and signed a cooperation agreement on senior education. Our seniors are highly educated and curious, so today we discussed not only the food trade memorandum but also the reduction of VAT on food products. We look forward to the next meeting to receive information on further progress,” said Lilita Kalnāja, Deputy Chair of the Board of the Latvian Senior Communities Association.
The memorandum stipulates that the low-price basket includes products from ten basic food categories: bread, milk, dairy products, fresh vegetables and potatoes, fresh fruits and berries, meat, fresh fish, flour and other cereals, eggs, and olive oil or other grain-based oils.
The purpose of the Food Trade Memorandum is to promote access to essential food products at lower prices for the residents of Latvia. The memorandum was signed on 27 May 2025 by leading retail chains and responsible state institutions, confirming their commitment to ensuring that the public can purchase everyday essential products at affordable prices.
Ekonomikas ministrijas
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