The Līči family, led by Dzintars, cultivates sweet cherries as a family hobby while managing a large business, showcasing how their bonds are strengthened through farming and shared experiences.
Dzintars, who runs a sizable company in his daily life, considers his cherry orchard a hobby that has brought his entire family together. Initially, their harvest was small enough to fit in the trunk of a car, but over time this has grown significantly to several tons of cherries. The farm, located on the slope of the Abava River Valley between Kandava and Sabile, is dedicated to cultivating sweet cherries, with a few sour varieties as well. His children, who are now beginning their own lives, continue to support him during the summer at the orchard, strengthening family ties through hard work and shared commitments.
Reflecting on how they started this journey, Dzintars recounted their experience of moving to the area during the 2009 economic crisis. It was a dark February evening when they arrived to search for a property in the valley where they could live and build a home away from the city. At that time, real estate prices were extremely high, but the crisis opened up opportunities for purchasing land that was otherwise unaffordable. Despite the unkempt state of the property with overgrown grass and weeds, there was an immediate realization that this land would become their home.
The Līči family's dedication to their cherry farm not only provides them with a bountiful harvest but also illustrates the connection between their roots in Latvia and the significance of working together as a family. This endeavor represents a blend of personal passion and ancestral ties to the land, highlighting the importance of agriculture in fostering relationships and community among Latvian families.
