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Country Information

Finland

Management of Rural Development

Finnish rural development policy is managed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. In Finland there is one National Strategic Plan which provides the overall policy framework for rural development, complemented by two Rural Development Programmes, one for mainland Finland and one for the region of Åland. The Rural Development Programme for Mainland Finland has been prepared by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, also appointed as the Managing Authority for the overall coordination and implementation of the programme. The Managing Authority’s tasks for the Åland region’s programme have been delegated to the Government of Åland. For both programmes the Agency of Rural Affairs is the accredited Paying Agency.

Summary of rural development policy objectives

The mainland Rural Development Programme’s (RDP) strategic objectives cover three key areas: agriculture and forestry are practiced in a way that is economically and ecologically sustainable as well as ethically acceptable in all parts of the country; actions favouring and furthering the competitiveness of businesses, new entrepreneurship, and networking among entrepreneurs to diversify rural economies and improve employment; and strengthening local initiative to improve the viability and quality of life of the rural areas. The overall objectives of the Rural Development Programme of the Åland region are to ensure that rural and archipelagic areas retain their attraction as places to live and run businesses; to preserve the traditional characteristics of the landscape; to ensure that farmers and foresters achieve a high degree of competitiveness, based on efficiency, high productivity, quality and sustainable use of natural resources.

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