RIGA, June 20 (LETA) - Latvia might increase woodchip production by 8-10 percent, said Agricultural Minister Kaspars Gerhards (National Alliance) in an interview with commercial TV3 today.

He said that in relation to transition of local governments from natural gas to woodchip, demand for woodchip has increased and its price has also risen.

Gerhards said that Latvijas Valsts Mezi (LVM) state forest manager has decided to increase production of woodchip, but also other companies should consider such plans.

"LVM has made such a decision and it will ensure a considerable increase of volume, but it will not be enough, therefore we offer a support mechanism in order to promote increase of woodchip production also in other companies," the minister said.

He said that Latvia could increase woodchip production by 8-10 percent.

LVM in 2021 sold 6.83  million cubic meters of timber, including 6.64 million cubic meters of round timber, and 591,800 MWh of woodchip.

LVM belong to the state, and the Agricultural Ministry is the shareholder.