Decisions made in the European Union lay the foundation for the policies dealt with in the administrative sector of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The EU has common agricultural and fisheries policies. Forest policy is national, but efforts are being made to increase cooperation for common interest e.g. through the Forest Strategy.

The core of the common agricultural policy of the EU is the single market. The market operations are regulated in various ways to maintain market balance. One principle of the common agricultural policy is that agricultural production must continue in all parts of the EU, including disadvantageous regions. Finland aims to influence the EU policies to take better account of the special requirements of the northern production conditions. Agricultural policy measures in support of rural development also receive a great deal of emphasis.

The objective of the common fisheries policy of the EU is sustainable use of fish resources. Finland supports further development of fisheries through appropriate actions. The regulation of fishing should be a long-term and anticipatory effort. Finland stresses that the special characteristics of small-scale fishing need to be taken into account in the development work.

Finland works hard to promote the safety and high quality of foodstuffs. Food safety requirements must cover the whole food chain from production inputs to the final products. In our efforts to keep animal diseases under control the focus is on preventive measures. Animal welfare and good treatment of animals must be ensured through EU legislation.

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