The year 2026 has arrived for the community of the Lithuanian Chamber of Agriculture not as just another calendar year. It marks a double anniversary: the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Chamber of Agriculture and the 35th anniversary of its restoration. These are years that not only give meaning to the path already taken, but also invite us all to look anew at what truly forms the strength of rural areas and agriculture – people.
“I extend my greetings to all farmers, rural residents, members of the Chamber of Agriculture and social partners on the occasion of 2026. I wish you peace, stability, respect for the work of farmers, and confidence in your choices. May this year be one of focus rather than haste, of maturity and unity. I am proud of the members of the Chamber, our social partners, and all those who believe in the future of rural areas and agriculture, who choose positivity, dialogue and responsibility. I am proud that Lithuania has so many hardworking and honest farmers. Rural areas will live on as long as there are hardworking people within them,” says Dr. Arūnas Svitojus, Chairman of the Chamber of Agriculture.
Meaning that lives in the countryside
Lithuanian rural areas are home to many strong, responsible and hardworking people – and it is precisely to them that we wish to direct our attention today. Every day, often quietly and without recognition, they create what is essential for both the state and society: they produce food, build communities, care for landscapes, and nurture values and national identity.
It is no coincidence that the 2026 calendar of the Chamber of Agriculture features the family of Molėtai district farmers Vaida and Gediminas Jateika, together with their son Adas and daughter Vėja. This dairy-farming family represents a living link between the past, the present and the future. Their story conveys a simple yet fundamental truth: rural areas remain vibrant as long as they are home to enthusiastic, hardworking people who care deeply about their native land.
A story of return and choice
Vaida Jateikė’s life path is familiar to many. Although she grew up in the countryside, in her youth she did not envision her future in agriculture. She studied nursing in Vilnius, worked in Ireland, and spent some time living in the United Kingdom. Yet life abroad could not replace home.
“After spending time abroad, I realized that I am a true patriot of Lithuania. Only here, in my homeland, did I find fulfillment and peace,” says Vaida.
In 2012, Vaida and Gediminas began farming with 15 cows and 20 hectares of land. Today, their farm covers about 100 hectares and maintains around 60 dairy cows. Farming for them is not just a job – it is a way of life that requires knowledge, endurance and continuous improvement.
Looking to the future with confidence
The Chamber of Agriculture believes that 2026 is not only a year of anniversaries, but also a year of responsibility – a year in which the future of rural areas and agriculture must be built through dialogue, respect and joint effort.
Happy New Year 2026!
May it be meaningful, stable, and strengthen faith in the Lithuanian countryside – because as long as there are hardworking people in rural areas, the countryside will endure.