Lithuanian Ministry of Agriculture Extends Deadline for Meadow Maintenance by Two Weeks

“Due to heavy rainfall and excessive soil moisture, the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) has extended the mandatory grazing and mowing deadline for meadows by two weeks – until September 15, the ministry announced on Thursday.

 

Usually, meadows and other areas specified in the requirements must be mowed or grazed at least once by September 1.

 

According to the ministry, the deadline has been extended because, due to recent rainfall, heavy machinery cannot enter the fields everywhere, and the cut grass dries more slowly.

 

“We understand perfectly well that nature dictates its own conditions, and farmers are currently facing serious challenges. By granting an additional two weeks, we are reducing the administrative burden and enabling farmers to complete their work in a quality manner,” Agriculture Minister Kęstutis Mažeika said in a statement.

 

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the extended deadline applies to applications submitted in 2026, maintaining meadows and herbaceous nitrogen-fixing plants on arable land and fulfilling the obligations of some ecological systems.

 

This will include the obligations of such ecological systems as: “Management of orchards and berry bushes in a nature-friendly manner”, “Maintenance of landscape elements”, “Replacement of arable peatlands with meadows”, “Replacement of eroded land with meadows”, “Integrated scheme for the maintenance of meadows and wetlands” and “Replacement of arable land with meadows, their maintenance and care”.

 

Until September 15, it will also be possible to mow landscape elements - clearings, boundary strips, banks of water bodies, ditches and areas under individual trees and shrubs.”