The main target area for Finland's cooperation with the neighbouring areas is North-West Russia (St Petersburg, Leningrad Region, Republic of Karelia, Murmansk Region). The principle of the cooperation is transfer of know-how on a sustainable basis through education and training, advice, seminars, visits and exchange of experts, surveys, research and joint projects.

According to the mission statement for the work at the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the purpose of the neighbouring area cooperation is to assist in creating the preconditions for sustainable and diversified use of renewable natural resources. Efforts are also made to improve the conditions for the development of agriculture and rural areas and to promote food safety and quality and health of plants and animals.

The work is coordinated by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is responsible for projects concerning rural development, agriculture and horticulture, forestry, fisheries, game management and reindeer husbandry, foodstuffs, animal and plant health, water resources and land surveying.

The cooperation with the neighbouring areas had been reorganised in 2006. The 3-year programmes in the agriculture sector got started in the beginning of 2007.

Further information: Nina Hellström, International Affairs Unit, tel. +358-(0)9-160 52172