Introduction Finland Sustainabile Agriculture
"Sustainable" refers to the ability of something to be maintained or continued over time without depleting natural resources or causing harm to the environment, society, or economy.
In other words, something is considered sustainable if it can be maintained indefinitely without negatively impacting the well-being of future generations.
This concept is often used in the context of environmental sustainability, where the focus is on reducing the negative impact of human activities on the natural environment. However, sustainability can also refer to social and economic sustainability, which involves creating systems and practices that promote social justice and economic well-being for all members of society.
Examples of sustainable practices include using renewable energy sources, reducing waste and pollution, conserving natural resources, supporting local and organic food systems, promoting biodiversity and ecosystem health, and creating inclusive and equitable social and economic systems. Ultimately, sustainability requires a long-term perspective and a commitment to balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations in decision-making.
What is Sustainable Agriculture ?
Sustainable agriculture is a farming system that focuses on producing food in a way that is environmentally sound, socially responsible, and economically viable. It is an integrated approach to farming that seeks to optimize the use of natural resources while minimizing negative environmental impacts.
Sustainable agriculture practices include:
Conservation of soil: This involves practices like reduced tillage, cover cropping, and crop rotation, which help to improve soil health and fertility.
Efficient use of water: This includes techniques like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture sensors to optimize water use and reduce waste.
Integrated pest management: This involves using a combination of techniques such as biological controls, crop rotation, and resistant crop varieties to control pests and diseases while minimizing the use of synthetic pesticides.
Use of renewable energy: This involves using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and biomass to power farm operations and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Biodiversity conservation: This involves promoting biodiversity through practices such as the use of native plants and habitats, and protecting wildlife corridors and other natural areas on the farm.
Sustainable agriculture aims to maintain and improve the health of the soil, protect water resources, and promote biodiversity while also ensuring that farming remains economically viable for farmers and supports the local community.
Sustainable Agriculture in Finland
In Finland, sustainable agriculture is becoming increasingly important as the country aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral by 2035. The Finnish government has set targets for reducing emissions from agriculture, such as reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers and promoting the use of renewable energy on farms.
Several sustainable agriculture practices are being used in Finland, including:
Organic farming: Finland has one of the highest percentages of organic farmland in Europe, with over 13% of the country's agricultural land being used for organic farming. Organic farming practices promote soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare while reducing the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Agroforestry: Agroforestry is a land use system that combines trees and crops in the same field, providing multiple benefits such as carbon sequestration, soil conservation, and increased biodiversity. Agroforestry is being promoted in Finland as a way to increase resilience to climate change and improve ecosystem services.
Precision agriculture: Precision agriculture involves using technology such as GPS, sensors, and drones to optimize crop production while minimizing inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides. Precision agriculture can help farmers reduce their environmental footprint and increase their profitability.
Local food systems: Finland has a strong tradition of local and regional food systems, which are based on small-scale farming, short supply chains, and direct marketing. Local food systems promote sustainable agriculture by reducing food miles, promoting biodiversity, and supporting local communities.
Sustainable agriculture is seen as a key component of Finland's transition to a low-carbon economy and a more sustainable future. The government and agricultural sector are working together to promote sustainable farming practices and increase awareness of the benefits of sustainable agriculture for farmers, consumers, and the environment.
Sustainable Agriculture in Finland - Goverment Policy
The Finnish government has several policies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the environmental impact of farming in the country.
These include:
The Agri-environmental and climate scheme: This is a voluntary scheme that provides financial support to farmers who adopt environmentally friendly practices, such as organic farming, agroforestry, and soil conservation. The scheme is designed to promote sustainable agriculture and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the agricultural sector.
The National Agroecology Program: This program aims to promote the transition to agroecological farming systems in Finland. Agroecology is a science-based approach to agriculture that emphasizes the use of ecological principles to optimize the interactions between crops, animals, humans, and the environment. The program includes research, education, and demonstration projects to promote agroecological practices and support farmers in their transition to more sustainable farming systems.
The Energy and Climate Strategy for 2030: This strategy sets targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors, including agriculture. The strategy aims to reduce emissions from the agricultural sector by 26% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. The strategy includes measures such as increasing the use of renewable energy on farms, reducing the use of synthetic fertilizers, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
The National Food Policy: This policy aims to promote healthy, sustainable, and locally produced food in Finland. The policy includes measures to support small-scale farming, reduce food waste, and promote sustainable food systems.
Th Finnish government is committed to promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the environmental impact of farming in the country. The government's policies and initiatives aim to support farmers in their transition to more sustainable farming practices and promote the production of healthy, sustainable, and locally produced food.
Data of Sustainable Agriculture in Finland
Here are some key data points related to sustainable agriculture in Finland:
Organic farming: As of 2020, Finland had over 9,500 organic farms, covering approximately 13.5% of the country's total agricultural area. The total area of organic farmland in Finland has increased steadily over the past decade, with an average annual growth rate of 7.6%.
Agroforestry: According to a study conducted by the Natural Resources Institute Finland, agroforestry could be applied to up to 21% of the agricultural land in the country. The study found that agroforestry systems can provide multiple benefits, including increased carbon sequestration, improved soil fertility, and increased biodiversity.
Precision agriculture: According to a survey conducted by the Natural Resources Institute Finland, approximately 50% of Finnish farmers use precision agriculture technologies to optimize crop production and reduce environmental impact. The most commonly used technologies include GPS, yield mapping, and variable rate application of fertilizers and pesticides.
Greenhouse gas emissions: The agricultural sector is responsible for approximately 9% of Finland's total greenhouse gas emissions. The main sources of emissions from agriculture are enteric fermentation from livestock, synthetic fertilizers, and manure management. The Finnish government has set a target to reduce emissions from agriculture by 26% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.
Local food systems: Local food production and consumption are important in Finland, with many consumers preferring locally produced food. According to a survey conducted by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, approximately 70% of consumers consider the origin of food to be an important factor in their purchasing decisions. The government has several initiatives aimed at promoting local food systems, such as supporting small-scale farming and short supply chains.
Conclusion for Sustainable Agriculture in Finland
Sustainable agriculture is an increasingly important issue in Finland, as the country aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and become carbon neutral by 2035.
The Finnish government has several policies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing the environmental impact of farming, including the Agri-environmental and climate scheme, the National Agroecology Program, and the Energy and Climate Strategy for 2030.
Several sustainable agriculture practices are being used in Finland, including organic farming, agroforestry, precision agriculture, and local food systems. Organic farming is particularly well-established in Finland, with over 13% of the country's agricultural land being used for organic farming.
Sustainable agriculture is seen as a key component of Finland's transition to a low-carbon economy and a more sustainable future. The government and agricultural sector are working together to promote sustainable farming practices and increase awareness of the benefits of sustainable agriculture for farmers, consumers, and the environment.