“Watermelons from Latvia, €1.50 per kilo!” — Janis felt a pang in his heart when he saw the sign by the roadside

“It was a bit of a pang in the heart. A Latvian farming family grows watermelons. They do everything themselves, the work is hard, and they need to sell the entire harvest. This is not carrots or potatoes that can be stored in a cellar. This is not cucumbers or horseradish that can be canned,” writes Vegliņš. He points out that the farmer by the roadside wants to attract the attention of passersby with a simple sign: “LATVIAN WATERMELONS €1.5 kg.” “Every farmer has hope that the harvest will grow, that it can be harvested and sold as well,” emphasizes the author of the publication. Vegliņš addresses the issue that angers him the most — the conditions for advertising placement. “However, government bureaucrats have built obstacles everywhere. Governments, ministries have been turning a blind eye to this for years,” he writes. Vegliņš asks why a farmer should advertise their products by the road using machinery. “Why should a farmer keep tractors in ditches and in the middle of the field to place their advertisement, but cannot place an advertising banner in the field without this machinery?” asks the author of the publication. But the main message of the publication is not just criticism of bureaucracy. Vegliņš calls on people to support local producers. “In my opinion, we should support our producers and growers,” he writes. Moreover, he claims to have tried these very watermelons and praises them: “By the way, these watermelons, 6 km before Iecava, in Dimzukalns, are very tasty. Let’s support what is grown in Latvia.” Vegliņš writes that the day before he ordered potatoes from the farmer, and the next day he bought chanterelles from his mother, who is on maternity leave. “We can be a great team together,” he concludes. The publication sparked discussions. Some commentators agree with Vegliņš's criticism, while others point out that advertising placement is not prohibited — it just needs to be approved. Others used the discussion to praise specific watermelons grown in Latvia. Uldis: “Even when driving through Poland, there is advertising at every door, every fence, and every post. Everyone produces something and advertises their goods. Do the Poles coordinate this with anyone? I doubt it. It seems that there, bureaucracy is not created to kill any initiative in its infancy.” Andris: “Outrage won’t help. But going to get a watermelon — yes. I stopped twice this week. I must say, they are very good! My favorites are the small yellow ones.” Andris: “Party advertising banners are on all the road sides, I wonder if they are all approved?” Arnis: “And you can’t even imagine how quickly and diligently the officials work, neighbors and passersby report…