In the official negotiations held in connection with the International Grain Forum in St Petersburg on 7 June 2009, the Finnish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sirkka-Liisa Anttila and the new Russian Minister of Agriculture Jelena Skrynnik noted that cooperation between the two countries has been smooth, effective and beneficial to both parties. Minister Skrynnik is satisfied with the action programme of the working group on agriculture and food under the Finnish-Russian Economic Commission.

Minister Anttila proposed further cooperation in the production of grain seed and further processing of animal manure, and Minister Skrynnik considered cooperation in these sectors most welcome.

The aim of the cooperation is to improve the quality of grain production in Finland’s neighbouring areas in Russia, reduce water loading from livestock production and improve the opportunities of Finnish companies to engage in cooperation with Russian partners.

The atmosphere was very warm and at the end of the meeting Minister Anttila invited Minister Skrynnik to a visit in Finland. Minister Skrynnik promised that such visit could take place in the near future.

Further information at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry:
Minna-Mari Kaila, Special Adviser to the Minister, tel. +358 (0)40 775 60 60