Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has backed a proposal by Latvian Agriculture Minister Armands Krauze at their meeting on Friday to discuss restricting Russian grain imports by the European Union, the LETA agency reported.

The sides met to discuss the priorities of Krauze's work and current situation in the agricultural sector, including the issue of a reduced VAT rate on fruit and vegetables, the Presidential Chancery's Media Center communications specialist Elina Kresa said.

Rinkevics backed the proposal to discuss restricting EU imports of Russian grain while keeping transit via third countries so as not to limit food supplies to the Global South countries.

Agricultural products with a higher added value have a development potential, Rinkevics said during a discussion of current events in the industry.

"During my regional visits I saw fine examples of agricultural enterprises working to create products with higher added values, which is beneficial for both farmers and consumers, as well as developing local economy and its diversity," Rinkevics said.