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President Ilves paid a visit to Jõgevamaa
25.04.2011
The President, Mr. Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and Mrs. Evelin Ilves today paid a visit to Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute, where 290 varieties have been bred since 1920 and which is one of the most important research centres in Estonian agriculture.
Mr. Mati Koppel, Director of the Intitute, introduced the breeding activities conducted in Jõgeva to the Head of State, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Helir-Valdor Seeder. The main goal of the institute is to breed varieties most suitable for Estonian conditions and the maintenance breeding of bred varieties within the scope that would ensure the availability of the true seed of various crop varieties cultivated in Estonia.
The breeding of several varieties takes place in co-operation with specialists of other countries. Some cereal crop varieties in the Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute are quite common in Finland, varieties of winter turnip rape in Sweden and Finland, various hay plants in Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia, potato varieties in Latvia and Lithuania and vegetable varieties in Finland and Latvia.
“I’m glad that apart from being an internationally acknowledged e-state, Estonia is also known as a strong plant breeding country. Vivat! Crescat! And, above all, Floreat!” wrote President Ilves into the guestbook of Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute.
The Head of State and Mrs. Evelin Ilves also visited Elistvere Zoo in the Vooremaa landscape protection area in Jõgevamaa, which was first opened back in 1997 as a shelter for wild animals. Now, the emphasis has shifted and, with the support of the Tartu-Jõgeva recreational area of the State Forest Management Centre and initiated by Ms Sirje Saul, the head of the venture, it has become a zoo that exhibits domestic wildlife and an important centre of nature education.
President Ilves and Mrs. Evelin Ilves also visited the recently opened Alo Mattiisen class in Jõgeva Music School. “Alo Mattiisen and his songs hold an important place in restoring Estonia’s independence; they helped us to break free again,” the Head of State told.
He also visited the “Trophy” hunters’ lodge in Puurmani rural municipality. The tourism farm, which was once burnt down and then rebuilt, serves as confirmation that a strong business plan and an enterprising mind combined with the desire and skills to offer the best service possible are the pillars of success, said President Ilves.
The Head of State was accompanied by the Country Governor, Mr. Viktor Svjatõsev, during his visit to Jõgevamaa.
Office of the President
Public Relations Department
Phone +372 631 6229
