Rural Development Programme for Mainland Finland 2007 - 2013

The objectives of the Programme are to preserve a viable and active countryside, improve the environment, and ensure the sustainable use of renewable natural resources. In the programming period 2007-2013 rural development will take place under a single programme. So far the same measures have been implemented under six different programmes.

Key actions in Axis 1 include payments to young farmers, training of agricultural and forestry producers, agricultural investments, and development of food, wood and bioenergy sectors. Axis 2 comprises natural handicap and environmental payments, payments to NATURA 2000 areas, and animal welfare payments. Axis 3 covers diversification and development of economic activities on farms and in other rural microenterprises and development of rural tourism, services and villages. Activities of the local action groups (LAGs) as set down in the other axes, including regional and international cooperation, take place under Axis 4. New measures introduced in the programme include the payments for food processing, animal welfare, and development of rural microenterprises.
More information:
Rural Development Strategy and Programme for 2007-2013, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry