Taste

Andrejs Kovaļovs

Farmer, Former Diplomat, Photographer & Entrepreneur in Rural Innovation

Paldaži Farm

Limbaži, Latvia

26 profile visitsTASTE Participant

Sustainable rural tourism powered by sheep, bees, and carpentry – connecting people, heritage, and place through collaboration and digital storytelling.

My organisation

Paldaži Farm

Paldaži Farm

Company

Limbaži, Latvia

Paldazi Farm is a sustainable family homestead in northern Latvia, founded by my great-great-grandfather in 1880. It has evolved from a traditional farm into a place where sheep farming, beekeeping, carpentry, and rural hospitality come together. We welcome visitors to experience authentic countryside life through guided tours, tastings, and cultural events. Our philosophy is to combine tradition with innovation. We offer pre-booked catering based on local produce, ensuring zero food waste and close cooperation with regional partners. Together with other small enterprises, such as the traditional rye bread bakery Lielezers and Lādezera Garden wild herb growers, we are developing a culinary route that highlights local heritage and craftsmanship. Through our project “Taste & Story – Paldazi Culinary Routes,” we integrate digital storytelling and sustainable food tourism. We are creating short video “story cards,” QR-based partner presentations, and a modern digital platform that connects visitors with producers, crafts, and nature. Our goal is to build a resilient and eco-friendly model of rural tourism where people can experience the links between food, heritage, and community.
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About me

I’m Andrejs Kovaļovs – a former diplomat with 27 years of experience in international relations who has returned to his family roots to develop Paldazi Farm in northern Latvia. Our homestead, founded by my great-great-grandfather in 1880, now brings together sheep farming, beekeeping, carpentry, and rural tourism.

I’m passionate about meaningful connections between people, nature, and culture. Through sustainable food, heritage, and digital storytelling, I aim to show how tradition and innovation can thrive together.

Social media

Skills

  • Rural Tourism
  • photography
  • digital storytelling
  • cultural heritage
  • beekeeping
  • Sheep farming
  • EU projects
  • community leadership
  • Web development
  • Diplomacy
  • International relations

Interests

  • Sustainable gastronomy
  • Local food networks
  • Rural Innovation
  • Cultural Heritage Tourism
  • digital transformation
  • digital innovation
  • Nature-based experiences
  • International Cooperation

Marketplace (1)

  • Project challenge

    Stories in Taste: From Paldazi to Partners

    Connecting local producers in rural Latvia through a sustainable culinary route that blends food, heritage, and digital storytelling

    Author

    Andrejs Kovaļovs

    Farmer, Former Diplomat, Photographer & Entrepreneur in Rural Innovation at Paldaži Farm

    Limbaži, Latvia