Our research and development activities aim to support the sustainable use of Finland’s renewable natural resources and sustainable developments within related industries. Effective policies can only be shaped if we have the necessary scientific information.

Five public research organisations work within the administrative sphere of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry:

• MTT Agrifood Research Finland
• The Finnish Forest Research Institute (Metla)
• The Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute (RKTL)
• The Finnish Geodetic Institute (FGI)
• The Finnish Food Safety Authority (Evira)

The Ministry also oversees the work of the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) on issues concerning water management.

The Ministry grants funding for projects designed to produce information and knowledge that can be used in policy-making processes, impact assessments and foresight studies. Such projects mainly involve applied research, and to some extent R&D related to products and services. Basic research in these fields is mainly funded from other sources, including the Academy of Finland.

Industries based on the sustainable use of renewable resources are today facing major global challenges such as climate change and declining biodiversity. This increases the importance of international research networks and cooperation. The Ministry participates actively in related EU research and development processes, Nordic joint research activities and other international research forums.

Further information:

Mikko Peltonen, Research Director

Tel. +358 (0)295 16 2296

forename.surname(at)mmm.fi [mikko.peltonen]

Updated 15.5.2012