28.05.2026 OFINU’s Associated Partners Take Over Latvia’s Experience in Food Technology, Innovation, and Cooperation with Universities

From 15 to 22 May 2026, the Lifelong Education Centre of the Latvia University of Life Sciences and Technologies (LBTU) hosted a study visit in Latvia for production managers and technical specialists from food industry companies in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The visit was organized within the project “Promoting Conformity and Access to Education and Knowledge for the Uzbekistan and Tajikistan’s Food Sector”, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia.

During the week, eighteen participants explored the work of LBTU, the Institute of Horticulture, and the scientific institute “BIOR”, learning how Latvian research institutions cooperate with entrepreneurs and develop technologies and innovations for the food sector. The delegation visited companies including “Very Berry”, “Siera ražotne”, “Cido Group”, “Balticovo”, “Gemoss”, “Rāmkalni”, “Nutriboom”, “Vilvi Group”, and “Avenei.lv”. Practical masterclasses at the LBTU and the Institute of Horticulture complemented the programme.

The study visit promoted the exchange of knowledge and technological experience, opened new opportunities for future cooperation in food innovation, education, and applied research, as well as strengthened professional contacts between Latvian institutions and Central Asian partners. Participants have already returned home prepared to evaluate the knowledge gained and gradually implement practical solutions in their companies while developing cooperation with universities and research institutes, and to explore opportunities offered by the open university study format, recently adopted within the OFINU project.

LBTU Lifelong Education Centre is very grateful to participants of the study visit, all companies and institutions for their hospitality and contribution to the programme. Especially to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Latvia for financial support through the Development Cooperation Grant Programme, and to the Embassy of Latvia in Uzbekistan for support with visa procedures.