Maaseutuohjelmat

Maaseutuohjelmat are Finland’s rural development programmes, part of the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) second pillar. They are multi-year plans, prepared by the Finnish government in cooperation with regional authorities and stakeholders, and implemented in Finland through the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry together with the Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment (ELY-centres). In Finland, programming periods have included 2014–2020 and 2021–2027.

The programmes are financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) with national co-financing. Through the maaseutuohjelmat, Finnish authorities select and fund a range of measures intended to strengthen farm viability and diversify rural economies, improve environmental protection and biodiversity, mitigate and adapt to climate change, and enhance rural services and infrastructure, including digital connectivity and tourism.

Measures commonly included are investments in farm modernization and processing facilities, cooperative projects, knowledge transfer and innovation, agri-environmental-climate schemes, support for small businesses and entrepreneurship, and development of natural and cultural resources. Funding decisions are made following calls for proposals or targeted actions, with emphasis on meeting programme-level objectives and regional development priorities.

Implementation and monitoring are carried out in line with CAP rules, with reporting to the European Commission and systematic evaluation of outcomes. Maaseutuohjelmat aim to reduce regional disparities, sustain rural populations, and foster sustainable land use and resource management across Finland.