In Bulduri, Latvia, while the outside temperatures plummet, the Bulduri Technical School's greenhouses are bustling with activity as students plant pansies. The school has managed to maintain the necessary temperatures in their greenhouses throughout the winter, but the harsh season has significantly increased heating expenditures, with January costs reportedly doubling compared to the previous year. Agronomist Laima Ozoliņa emphasized that the beautiful and harsh white winter has led to these heightened heating expenses, which will undoubtedly impact the production costs.

Meanwhile, the greenhouse operations also vary by crop requirements, with Mārupes cucumbers needing much warmer conditions to thrive. Maruta Kravale, chairperson of Mārupes greenhouses, remarked on the cold January but confirmed that their heating needs were adequately met through various sources, including a biogas station and natural gas. The combined use of natural gas boiler systems, cogeneration stations, and wood chip boiler plants has enabled them to maintain conditions suitable for cultivating cucumbers during the winter.

This situation exemplifies the challenges faced by greenhouse operators during severe winters, highlighting the financial strain from increased heating costs while also showcasing their commitment to ongoing cultivation amidst adverse conditions. The ability to adapt to and manage these heating challenges demonstrates the resilience of the agricultural sector in Latvia, as they navigate both the environmental and economic factors at play during the winter months.