Agriculture ministers discussed viability of rural areas and generational renewal on farms

The Agriculture and Fisheries Council met in Brussels on 15 July 2024. The main topics discussed were the viability of rural areas and trade-related agricultural issues. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah represented Finland at the meeting.

The agriculture ministers discussed ways to improve the viability of rural areas and promote generational renewal on farms and in other rural enterprises. Finland considers it important that the development of rural areas stays high on the EU agenda. Rural areas serve as a major success factor and offer sustainably produced resources for good living, innovation and a sustainable society. The role of rural development measures is particularly important for Finland due to the low population density, challenging natural conditions and long border with Russia.

“Measures to attract new farmers and entrepreneurs to rural areas are highly important. Young entrepreneurs will not be willing to take up farming unless we can develop the competitiveness of farms and simplify the support system. Young farmers must be able to trust that agriculture offers the foundation for profitable business in a sustainable way and on a long-term basis,” Minister Essayah says.

The European Commission gave the agriculture ministers an update of the current situation of the trade negotiations. In her speech Minister Essayah pointed out that it is important for the EU to continue the active implementation of the trade agreements and to promote the ongoing negotiation processes. Diverse trade relations reduce the risks associated with dependence on imports.

Austria presented a document it had prepared for the Council concerning the significance of European agriculture and forestry for a competitive, sovereign and prosperous EU. Finland supported Austria’s initiative, which stresses the role of the Common Agricultural Policy for ensuring food security and the viability of the rural areas. In the discussions Finland also stressed that it is important to strengthen the role of the bioeconomy in the work programme of the new Commission.

“The bioeconomy must be horizontally linked to the EU’s policy actions, and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy should also be updated. The potential of the bioeconomy must be utilised for strengthening the EU’s competitiveness more effectively than is being done at present,” Minister Essayah says.

Inquiries:
Iina Mattila, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 50 473 6221 firstname.lastname@gov.fi
Kari Valonen, Senior Specialist, tel. +32 473 525 630 firstname.lastname@gov.fi