The Finnish Government has issued a resolution on how the functions vital to society are secured in all circumstances. The Strategy for Securing the Functions Vital to Society defines the responsibilities and tasks of the sectors under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry as well.

Strategic tasks of sectors under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

Flood risk management and dam safety

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ensures that floods, flood damages and dam failures are prevented and averted and preparedness to mitigate their consequences is maintained.

Safeguarding the primary production of food supply

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ensures, in line with the objectives established by the Government, that the sufficiency, quality and safety of foodstuffs for the population is safeguarded by means of adequate domestic agricultural production and emergency stockpiling and by guaranteeing access to the necessary foreign production inputs.

Safeguarding the water supply

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry ensures that the access to clean water as well as appropriate wastewater management, required for health and environmental protection, are secured. The Ministry is also responsible for water protection and functioning municipal water services.

Preparing for threats and special situations

The ministries are responsible for preparing for special situations and define the associated responsibilities to the agencies in each sector.

Threat scenarios and special situations where the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is the competent ministry

A serious disruption in water utilities A serious animal or plant disease outbreak or an extensive compromise of food safety Declining conditions in primary production

Threat scenarios and special situations were the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is the supporting ministry

A pandemic or other widespread outbreak of serious infectious disease Difficulties in obtaining pharmaceuticals and other health care supplies Health threats caused by a serious nuclear accident or other hazardous substances Widespread contamination of drinking water Disruption of foreign trade Disruption in electric power supply and fuel imports A serious disturbance in the supply of daily consumer goods Storms, flood or dam failures requiring evacuations or causing extensive destruction Heavy metal or chemical concentrations contents rising above approved limits for health Total contamination of soil and waters to make them unfit for use Oil and chemical transport accidents in sea areas and inland waters Long-distance fallout of airborne pollutants causing destruction of forests Radioactive fallout Mass extinction of species

Further information:
Mr Timo Tolvi, Head of Preparedness,
Tel. 358 (0)295 16 2165
Email: forename.surname(at)mmm.fi [timo.tolvi]

Ms Hannele Timonen, Secretary of Preparedness,
Tel. 358 (0)295 16 2372
Email: forename.surname(at)mmm.fi [vesa.kiskola]

Updated 14.5.2012