| 4. In which ways is the initiative creative and innovative?
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EAS was developed gradually. Strategy was to make it web-based – to be easy at use, not requiring additional resources only computer with web browser and internet connection. Programming started in 2007 and first modules were area payment application and field border clarification in maps. In 2010 was added “Diesel fuel for farmers”, in 2012 “School fruits and vegetables” and “School milk”, in 2013 “Agricultural Data Centre e-application”, “State Technical Supervision Agency e-application”, in 2014 “Seasonal farmer module”, “Reports on fishing licenses” and others. The users of EAS can authorize into the system using unique username and password or with E-signature and Bank authorisation. For easy to use system there are added video guides and manuals how to use system. RSS plans to improve system with more modules and mobile application in future as well.
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| 5. Who implemented the initiative and what is the size of the population affected by this initiative?
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Initiative of developing Electronic Application System (EAS) came from Rural Support Service (RSS) of Latvia to ease communication with clients and to coordinate different kind of payments for agriculture, fisheries, forestry. After the first version came out and increased the number of system users, RSS was making meetings with clients – public organizations of farmers in Latvia, discuss with them about future development, ideas of adding new modules and system improvements. Non-governmental organizations, like Farmers Federation, Agricultural Organizations Cooperation Council, etc., submitted ideas how to improve usability, were involved in usability testing and also submitted ideas of new modules. It is possible to express all ideas, opinion and suggestions how to improve the system also in special Feedback Form available on web site: https://eps.lad.gov.lv/login
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| 6. How was the strategy implemented and what resources were mobilized?
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Electronic Application System was developed by RSS in cooperation with Programmers Company and NGO’s. RSS workers defined the requirements and tested system, Programmers Company developed system technically. Non-governmental organizations, like Farmers Federation, Agricultural Organizations Cooperation Council, assisted with ideas of development, testing and suggestions of improvement of easy to use. The development and improvement of the system is financed from state and European Union budget.
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| 7. Who were the stakeholders involved in the design of the initiative and in its implementation?
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Grooving count of Electronic Application System (EAS) users proves that this initiative is successful (1,064 users in 2008 and 21,500 in 2014).
RSS received state prize “Platinum mouse” as best e-service provided by state institution in Latvia.
EAS module “School fruits and vegetables” is used by 780 schools and “School milk” – by 917 schools. More than 90% schools in Latvia providing children with healthy food under the program.
EAS module "Diesel fuel for farmers" is very important module, because by government rule, fuel on preferential terms for farmers can be accounted only by records in EAS.
Module "Seasonal farmer module" ensures seasonal workers in rural areas to register their incomes legally in seasonal works and get minimal social guaranties in future. That gives straight impact to economic and social area not only in rural areas of Latvia but to state as holistically.
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| 8. What were the most successful outputs and why was the initiative effective?
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Project management was organized by Rural Support Service (RSS). In meetings with non-governmental organizations RSS informed about progress, issues affecting clients and also listen to farmers organizations suggestions of improvement of Electronic Application System (EAS). In this process non-governmental organizations were asked to give their views how to make system more user-friendly for farmers and rural inhabitants. Every year for the clients of RSS it is possible to participate in special customer satisfaction survey developed by RSS and express their attitude, level of satisfaction with services. It is much targeted system how to monitor and evaluate the system.
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| 9. What were the main obstacles encountered and how were they overcome?
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The main problem was the internet access and people weak knowledge of information technologies in rural areas. 3G access coverage in all territory of Latvia started to evolve in 2011 (4G in 2013), before there was DSL and optic internet but only in cities. Internet access in all rural areas of Latvia uncounted Electronic Application System (EAS) users and improved their knowledge of usage of internet and information technologies.
Lot of rural inhabitants didn’t use EAS before because of their weak information technologies knowledge. This problem was solved with video guides, demo version and Consultant module, that allows authorized person to submit applications in EAS in place of client.
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