Virbi Rural Territory
Population: 1059
Area: 39.6 km²
Density: 26.7 per km²
Administration of Virbi Rural Territory: Jaunpagasts, Virbi Par Rural Territory, Talsi Municipality, LV-3292
Phone/Fax: 63292457, Email: virbi.parvalde@talsi.lv
Chairperson of Administration of Virbi Rural Territory: Mareks Zemītis
Virbi Rural Territory is the smallest rural territory in Talsi Municipality by total area. Virbi Rural Territory is located in south-eastern part of Talsi Hillock’s highlands of Northern Courland.
Jaunpagasts (now Virbi Rural Territory) in historical records is mentioned for first time in 1237. Between 1713 and 1714 Veģi, Lielvirbi, Mazvirbi, Rinkule, Štepeļmuiža and Enģeļmuiža Parishes were incorporated in Jaunpagasts (now Virbi Rural Territory). When landlords of Jaunpagasts and Virbi united, around 1870 – 1880, also their owned lands were united. In 1935 Virbi Parish had borders with Lībagi, Strazde, Kandava, Matkule, Valdgale and Stende Parishes as well as with Town of Sabile. In 1974 Virbi Parish was added to Strazde Parish from whom it separated in 1992.
The territory of Virbi Rural Territory is rich with swamps who have very interesting names like – Gavēņpurvs (Swamp of Fasting), Niedrpurvs (Swamp of Reeds), Kaupurpurvs (Swamp of Maggots), Dzērveņpurvs (Swamp of Cranberries), Pūteļpurvs and Līķupurvs (Swamp of Corpses). During the reign of Duke Jacob Kettler mining for iron ore in swamps Gavēņpurvs and Niedrpurvs became very active so that even a plant for iron ore extraction was built called “Dzelzsāmurs”.
The rural territory developed simultaneously with construction of Moscow-Rīga-Ventspils railroad at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Mills, starch factory and distilleries in Jaunpagasts and Lielvirbi Manors have been working for a long time.
Today, in Virbi Rural Territory, following the ancient traditions companies like “Jaunpagasts Plus” Ltd and “Jaunalko” Ltd operate in field of alcohol processing and manufacturing. Liquor is being exported to Greece, Germany, Israel and Lithuania. 161 farms and backyard mini-farms operate in Virbi Rural Territory, which all together use 1580 hectares of agricultural land mainly for cultivation of crops.
Dairy products factory “Braslas” manufactures yogurt. Woodworking enterprise “Praktiker” Ltd exports sawn timber to Sweden and Finland. Also new business are developing, like “Ave Alveus” Ltd whose produced boats travel to other European countries and USA or company “Beltes” who rents boats for various activities.
In 1989 school with a large sports hall and a vast stadium was built. In 1991 kindergarten "Zīļuks”, which was built in 1966, was expanded. The Culture House of Virbi Rural Territory provides opportunities for inhabitants of the rural territory to take part in many amateur groups and also has an extensive library.
