Seminar on the business potential of natural grasslands on small plots of land

On 17 July, the second in-person seminar of the year for the “Friends of the Meadows” was held in Antiņciems, at the ‘Dare atpūties pļavā’ leisure centre – during which natural grassland managers Sanita Matule and Indulis Skrebelis shared their experiences on how to develop business activities on natural grasslands.

Seminar participants had the opportunity to learn more about the management of natural grasslands and business opportunities on small areas of grassland, to learn about wild plants used in medicine and everyday life, and how they can be incorporated into the diet. There was also a presentation of the “Sanitas Pļavas veltes” brand products, followed by a tasting session. The raw materials for these products are harvested from grassland habitats of EU importance.

Sanita Matule and Indulis Skrebelis have set up the brand “Sanitas Pļavas veltes”, specialising in meadow plant products, and the leisure spot “DARE – relax in the meadow”. Sanita is a certified herbalist who is passionate about studying wild plants, including those growing in natural meadows, and using them in the production of her products. Sanita uses wild plants to make teas, herbs rubbed with salt and dried, as well as syrups, powders, and ointments for beauty and health. A whole range of meadow-inspired culinary delights made from wild plants! Visitors are also offered workshops on medicinal plants, weaving plant decorations, and making ointments, scrubs, syrups and infusions. Guided tours are available, offering educational walks through the natural meadow, and various events are organised.

The seminar was organised as part of the EU LIFE-IP LatViaNature project with the aim of promoting entrepreneurship in the sustainable management of natural grasslands.