Lithuanian Ministry Extends Meadow Maintenance Deadline by Two Weeks

The Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture (ŽŪM) has extended the deadline for mandatory meadow maintenance by two weeks, pushing it to September 15. This decision comes in response to the challenging weather conditions, specifically recent rainfall and high soil moisture, which have created difficulties for farmers.

Normally, meadows and other designated areas must be mowed or grazed at least once by September 1. However, the ministry acknowledged that the current weather has made it impossible for heavy machinery to enter many fields, and the grass is drying at a slower pace. "We perfectly understand that nature dictates its own terms, and farmers are currently facing serious challenges," stated Kęstutis Mažeika, the Minister of Agriculture. "By granting an additional two weeks, we are reducing the administrative burden and giving farmers the opportunity to complete their work with quality."

The extended deadline specifically applies to commitments made in 2026 concerning the maintenance of meadows, arable land with nitrogen-fixing plants, and certain ecological system obligations. This includes commitments related to "Management of gardens and berry fields in a nature-friendly way," "Maintenance of landscape elements," "Conversion of arable peatlands to meadows," "Conversion of eroded land to meadows," "Complex scheme for the maintenance of meadows and wetlands," and "Conversion of arable land to meadows, their maintenance and upkeep."

Additionally, landscape elements such as forest clearings, border strips, water body banks, ditches, and areas under individual trees and shrubs can now be mowed until September 15. This measure aims to provide farmers with necessary flexibility while ensuring environmental standards are met.

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We perfectly understand that nature dictates its own terms, and farmers are currently facing serious challenges. By granting an additional two weeks, we are reducing the administrative burden and giving farmers the opportunity to complete their work with quality.