Finnish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

The Finnish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (Maa- ja metsätalousministeriö in Finnish) is a government ministry in Finland responsible for agriculture, food production, forestry, and rural development. It was founded in 1918 and is headquartered in Helsinki, the capital city of Finland.

The ministry's main objective is to promote sustainable and profitable agriculture and forestry, ensure food safety and quality, and support the development of rural areas in Finland. It formulates policies, regulations, and strategies related to agricultural and rural affairs, and oversees their implementation.

The Finnish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs works closely with various stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural organizations, food industry representatives, and environmental organizations, to develop policies that address the needs and challenges of the sector while considering environmental sustainability and societal well-being.

The ministry's responsibilities include:

Agricultural Policy: Formulating and implementing policies to support agricultural production, improve productivity, and ensure the well-being of farmers. This includes agricultural subsidies, rural development programs, and market regulations.

Food Production and Safety: Ensuring the safety and quality of food products through regulation, inspection, and monitoring. The ministry collaborates with other agencies to maintain high standards of food safety and traceability.

Forestry: Promoting sustainable forest management practices, ensuring the conservation of forests and biodiversity, and supporting the forestry sector's economic development.

Rural Development: Implementing measures to enhance the vitality of rural areas, support entrepreneurship, and improve infrastructure and services in rural communities.

International Cooperation: Representing Finland in international agricultural and forestry organizations, participating in negotiations, and collaborating with other countries on matters related to agriculture, food, and rural affairs.

Through its work, the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs aims to ensure a competitive and sustainable agricultural and food sector, protect natural resources, promote rural well-being, and contribute to Finland's overall economic and social development.