Ympäristökorvaus

Ympäristökorvaus, or environmental compensation, is a Finnish system of agricultural subsidies aimed at promoting environmentally friendly farming practices. It is part of the broader rural development policy and is co-financed by the European Union and the Finnish state. The primary goal of the environmental compensation scheme is to support farmers in undertaking actions that benefit the environment and biodiversity, and to compensate them for the costs and income forgone associated with these practices.

The system is voluntary, meaning farmers can choose to participate by entering into agreements for specific environmental measures. These measures typically cover areas such as nutrient management, pesticide reduction, maintaining biodiversity, protecting water resources, and preserving landscapes. For example, farmers might receive compensation for establishing buffer zones along waterways, cultivating organic farming methods, or managing semi-natural grasslands.

The compensation is paid annually to farmers who have fulfilled the agreed-upon environmental obligations. The amount of compensation depends on the type of measure, the size of the agricultural area involved, and the specific conditions set by the Finnish authorities. The scheme is administered by the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) and its regional centers. It plays a significant role in encouraging sustainable agriculture and contributing to Finland's environmental protection goals within the agricultural sector.