ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE RURAL LIFE FISHERIES

ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE RURAL LIFE FISHERIES Published by the Ministry of Agriculture Compiled by Heiki Raudla Designed by Hele Hanson-Penu / Ecoprint Printed by AS Pajo

ISBN 978–9949–462–23–0 (print) ISBN 978–9949–462–24–7 (online)

Tallinn 2010 CONTENTS

Facts about Estonia______6 Estonia in The European Union______7 Common Present and Future______8 Milk Production is at its Top Level______10 Plant Production has Potential______12 Safe Food is Healthy______13 Local Food is Valued______15 Environment Attracts More and More______17 Cooperation Makes Life Better______19 The Return of Coastal Fishing______21 Diverse Rural Entrepreneurship______24 Renewable Energy has a Future______27 The Future of Research – Joint Research Programmes______29 Vocational and Continuing Education Stay Up to Date______30 Changing Advice______31 Establishment of the Agricultural Board______35 Museums Advocate Rural Live______36 Vision and Mission of the Area of Governance of the Ministry of Agriculture______37 Inspectorates, Boards, Centres And Offices Within the Jurisdiction of the Ministry______39 Structure of the Ministry of Agriculture______40

DEAR READER

You are holding a publication characterizing Estonian agriculture, rural life and fisheries and reflecting the activities of the Ministry of Agriculture. Those who have so far thought that the Ministry of Agriculture is only engaged in organizing agricultural production might be surprised to find out how wide the field of activities of our ministry actually is. As you can see, the name of the ministry has not reflected already for a long time and especially after Estonian accession to the European Union, the full range of the Ministry of Agriculture’s activities. Let’s take rural development for example, which includes activities from the modernization of agriculture, diversification of rural entrepreneurship to environmental protection and preservation of our cultural heritage. Large part of the ministry’s work is connected to ensuring food safety, so that our people could consume safe and healthy food. This, in turn, is connected to animal health and protection, animal welfare and organic farming. The food industry is also a wide and important field. Alongside plant production and animal husbandry, fishery is another direction, where our goal is to ensure the preservation and development of Estonian fisheries in the condition of limited fish resources. When we also add here the promotion of agricultural research and education, preservation of agricultural museums as the upholder of civilization, it is easier to grasp the extent of activities of the Ministry of Agriculture and amount of responsibility in advancing life in Estonia. Being a Member State of the European Union has brought about important changes in Estonian agriculture, fisheries, food industry and rural life in general. The same applies to the work of the Ministry of Agriculture. Negotiations on the future of the Common Agriculture Policy of the European Union are currently in action. Estonia has a possibility and an obligation to have an active say in its formation, ensuring a development of the field all over the European Union. The future shape of the Common Agricultural Policy will influence both the future situation of Estonian agriculture and the whole country.

The Ministry of Agriculture of Estonia ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 6 FACTS ABOUT ESTONIA

Location: In Northern Europe, a common mainland border with the Republic of Latvia and the Russian Federation, a sea border with the Republic of Finland and Kingdom of Sweden. Estonia owns about thousand five hundred islands in the Baltic Sea, the territory of state has about 1150 lakes, the biggest of which is Lake Peipus – 3555 km2. Marshes cover about a quarter and forest about half of the mainland. Territory: 45 227 km2 Population: 1,3 millions (ca 65% is urban population) Population density (person/km2): 31 Capital: Tallinn (398 600 inhabitants) Climate: Estonia has a temperate climate, transitional of continental and maritime climate. With the influence of the sea, Estonian climate is significantly milder from areas with continental climate in the same latitude. The weather is milder mostly in coastal areas and the islands. The coldest month is usually February (average temperature is -5°C), the warmest month is July (average temperature is +18°C). Annual average temperature is around +5°C. The amount of precipitation exceeds evaporation: annual average rainfall is 550–800 mm and average air humidity is around 80%. The thickness of winter snow cover and duration differs a lot from year to year. Area of cultivation of field crops:566 600 ha (2009) Current GDP: 214,8 billion kroons (2009) Rate of agriculture from GDP: 1,5% (2009) Rate of agriculture in employment: 3,9%, rural areas 10,4% (2009)

Source: Statistics Estonia ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES ESTONIA IN THE EUROPEAN UNION 7

Being a member of the European Union still in a worse condition, in comparison Policy, but the current direct aid system has helped to modernize Estonian to the farmers of EU old Member States, needs to be changed. In the future, EU agriculture and fisheries and had because on the one hand, in the common Member States should not be divided into a positive impact on the development economic space, requirements on pro­ the so-called new and old Member States of rural areas. duction and environmental protection through aid distribution. have increased and on the other hand, Estonia has been a member of the In conclusion, it can be said that acces­ possibilities to use financial resources are European Union since 2004 and the expe­ sion to the EU economic space brought still smaller for the Estonian farmers than rience so far shows that EU Common along a change from a narrow agriculture the ones for their western and Northern Agri­cultural Policy (CAP) and the common centered view on rural life to a rural colleagues. The situation was made more market have had a beneficial influence policy that considers the broader interests difficult by the economic recession, which on the Estonian agriculture, rural life, of the society. CAP has promoted the started in 2008 that caused the market fisheries and the environment. continuation of Estonian rural life in its opportunities to decrease and purchase diversity, helping to preserve our tra­ Estonia has had the possibility to use dif- prices to drop. ferent EU agriculture, fisheries and rural ditions, folk culture, landscapes and life supports since 2001 and since then, According to the Estonian official posi­ nature and giving local people a chance around 20 billion kroons of Estonian and tion, Europe needs a Common Agricultural to make a better living than before. EU money has reached Estonian rural life and fisheries. 3302 3275 The situation of Estonian enterprises has 3300 EU resources improved in the European Union; possibi- 3000 EE resources

lities for national, as well as international 921 2700 cooperation have been broadened. With 2403 1224 the help of support from the EU, farmers 2400 2217 2100 have been able to start using new techno- 1924 1893 849 logies, better production methods, machi- 1800 711 567 nery and everything else that has helped 1500 548 to increase productivity and the quality of 1200 1085 products. Thanks to the CAP, Estonia has 2355 900 721 2078 around a billion hectares of well main­ 645 1506 1553 793 600 1345

tained agricultural land and valuable 460 1357 363 328 semi-­natural areas. This is a great asset 300 143 599 57 44 44 103 324 for the country. 292 0 Despite different support and improved 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 export opportunities, Estonian farmers are Support for agriculture, food industry and rural development 1993–2009 (billions of kroons) ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 8 COMMON PRESENT AND FUTURE

Future of the CAP is extremely economy. Today, world’s agriculture is Considering Estonian natural conditions, impor­tant both for Estonian facing several important challenges: it can be presumed that agriculture has agriculture, as well as from the ­ climate change, population growth, a future here, especially in case of global point of view of the whole country. increasing demand on food, problems warming and water scarcity. Estonia has more agricultural land per person CAP is one of the oldest common policies connected to urbanization, changes in than elsewhere in Europe. This gives of the European countries, dating back rural entrepreneurship and employment the opportunity to grow agricultural to the 1950s. In course of its half a in rural areas, deficit and price rises crops both for food and bioenergy century long history, its general goals of fossil fuels, global food trade libe­ production. Moreover, Estonian strength have remained the same, but the content ralization, decrease of biological diversity lies in research and development, which slightly changed according to time and and lack of water resources. supports innovation and promotes the circumstances – a narrow agricultural Taking the current economic situation and usage of new technologies. production oriented policy has become the uneven development of regions into a broad agricultural and rural life policy. consideration, one of the first goals of the If the CAP is designed together and ­responsibly, Europe can ensure Agriculture of the 21st century includes CAP has been brought into attention again equal competition conditions for a lot more than just food production. – food security of the population. It has the Member States, preservation of Aside production, environmental been publicly discussed, if and why the valuable landscapes and environmental protection, managing climate change, European Union should have a Common protection. A common policy enables to tourism, recreation and preservation Agricultural Policy. draw attention to supplying the popu­ of cultural heritage have become more Discussions on the topics of the European lation with safe food, animal welfare important. Public services offered by Union next budget period (2014–2020) and environmental protection all over agriculture have started to be valued are currently taking place. Estonian the European Union. Development of more (e.g. maintained landscape), which position is that the CAP has to continue agriculture and rural areas is very agriculture offers to the society, as well in the future, because it definitely would important in Europe, not only from the as environment. not have a positive influence on Estonian point of view of food production and Since agriculture itself is highly depen­ rural life and agriculture, if common farmers´ income, but also the shaping dant on environmental conditions, it can goals would crumble into various policies and preservation of cultural landscapes be considered as a non-typical field of of different Member States. and heritage. 7

Agriculture is important for Europe, because:

O Rural areas comprise 90% of EU territory and about half of the EU population lives in the countryside

O 42% of EU mainland is directly used by agriculture O Agriculture and food (including beverages) sector provides 14,7% of EU industry total production (in the value of ca 792 billion Euros) and 2,5% of EU GDP

O Agriculture and food sector is the third largest employer in Europe (over 15 million jobs)

O EU is the largest food exporter and the second largest Estonian positions in the formation importer in the world of the CAP: O The CAP budget comprises 0,43% of total EU GDP • The CAP has to remain a common policy and this also in its financing • Development of the CAP has to support the development of a competitive agricultural sector in the global market • Levels of direct aid have to be harmonized in all EU Member States • Rate of aid targeted for rural development has to be increased • Rural development aid has to help agriculture to adapt to modern conditions, promote environmentally friendly activities and foster the diversification of economic activities • Science and research activities have to be targeted for the better usage of agricultural potential • In the further changing of the CAP, increase of administrative burden and making the control system more complex have to be avoided ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 10 MILK PRODUCTION IS AT ITS TOP LEVEL

During the last years, our milk producers have not seen the quota as a Since milk production is merging more producers have been very successful real restriction. and more into bigger farms and a large in improving their production share of breeders have switched over A growingly larger share of milk indicators and increasing milk to beef animal breeding, the percentage produced in Estonia reaches the quality. of dairy cows among beef animals has dairy industry, because producers decreased during the last years. In The flagship of Estonian agriculture have changed a large share of direct the summer of 2010, according to the continues to be milk production. Even marketing quota into industry supply Agriculture Registers and Information though the number of cows and cow quota. In 2009, 593 200 tons of milk Board (ARIB), there were 241 175 beef keepers in Estonia has decreased year were sold to the industry, which forms animals in Estonia, from which 97 162 after year, milk production per cow 88% of the total milk production. More were dairy cows. The number of dairy has increased and so have the quality than half of the milk was of elite variety cows compared to the same time last indicators of milk. Average annual by quality. year had decreased by 5%. production per cow reaches up to 7000 Big progress has been made in Estonia kilograms and with the increase of cow However, the number of sheep and goats in improving milk production conditions productivity, also the total production of has doubled compared to 2004. This and animal welfare. According to the milk has increased. has resulted thanks to support for ewe Animal Breeders Association of Estonia, breeding and support for organic sheep According to the CAP Health Check 144 dairy farms with more than 46 000 breeding. Coastal pastures have started decision, Estonian milk quota increased cow spaces were built or reconstructed to be used more and more. in 2009 up to 665 900 tons, but so far, during 2005–2009 in Estonia. By the end our production volume has not come of 2009, almost half of the cows were Almost two thirds of organic producers very close to fulfilling that quota and the living in new or reconstructed farms. are engaged in animal breeding. During ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES Milk Production is at its Top Level 11

the last years, sheep and beef animal 750 7000 breeding has expanded the most. 700 Organic sheep form almost half from 650 6500 all the sheep in Estonia. Valga and 600 Saaremaa have the most organic sheep; 550 6000 the biggest sheep herd had more than 500 5500 4000 animals. Organic farmers´ dairy 450 400 herds are usually small, the biggest herd 5000 has 200 dairy cows and some herds have 350 kg 300 around a hundred animals. 4500 250 The number of organic dairy farmers 200 4000 has decreased during the last years and 150 some of the enterprises have switched thousand t/thousand cows 100 3500 over to beef animal farming. Other 50 animal species are used rather little 0 3000 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 in organic farming: pigs and poultry mostly for self-consumption, only a cows Milk production productivity few producers market organic eggs. Rabbit farming is gaining popularity and Main indicators of milk production 2004–2009 the number of organic hives has also constantly increased. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 12 PLANT PRODUCTION HAS POTENTIAL

The goal of Estonian cereal and rape Open field vegetables 0,5% producers is to increase yield per hectare. This requires the usage of Fodder crops 26,6% correct agri-technical means and skilful economic planning. Division of Agricultural crops are grown in Estonia cultivation areas on more than half a million hectares. of arable crops Cereals 55,8% Slightly more than half of this area is Potatoes 1,6% in 2009 under cereals and the rest under fodder and industrial crops, but also potatoes, Industrial crops 14,6% legumes, vegetables, berry and fruit orchards. Legumes 0,9% Total harvest of cereal has remained under a million tons and average yield under three tons per hectare. Barley and that exceed the Estonian average of industrial crops (including culinary and wheat are grown the most, rape growing significantly. 8,7 tons of winter wheat and medical herbs) has increased six times. and yield have significantly advanced. more than 4 tons of rape seed have been Organic farms have increased year to When Estonian cereal yield has been harvested from the better competition year, the area of their average organic one of the lowest in the European Union fields. agricultural land is 80 hectares (in four for years and growing some crops (for Organic producers have started to show biggest organic enterprises, it exceeds example rye) is fading away due to more interest towards cereal production. 1000 hectares). However, the biggest weak competitiveness, then results The cultivation area of organic cereal, share of organic parcels is formed by achieved at growers´ competitions which in 2009 was 16 279 hectares, has grasslands (77%). organized by the agricultural magazine increased more than three times with six Within six years, the area of organically Maajamandus (Rural Economy) and years. Organic producers grow wheat the grown berry and fruit orchards has several agrochemical enterprises have most (about half of area under cereals), almost doubled. The orchards are shown that by using right agri-tehcnical which is mostly used for animal feed. mostly dominated by apple trees, plum means, it is possible to have a harvest Compared to 2004, the cultivation area and cherry trees are represented to a lesser extent. From berry cultures, sea buckthorn is grown the most. Unfortunately, the current volume of organic vegetable and potatoe production cannot yet satisfy the demand of local population. Considering the Estonian natural con- ditions, it can be presumed that plant production has a future here, especially in case of global warming and water scarcity. With the annual rise in average temperatures, the vegetation period of plants will become longer and if the pre- cipitation level stays the same, it should be possible to significantly increase the harvest. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES SAFE FOOD IS HEALTHY 13

Estonia has taken legislation regarding food safety and surveillance to such a level, which is reliable when viewing both inside, as well as outside the country. In the market economy conditions, the table of Estonian people has become very bountiful. Compared to previous times, the percentage of ready-made food has especially increased, among trend conscious buyers, organic and natural products are gaining more and more popularity. Even though our every day food is safer nowadays than ever before, we still hear about cases from the world about health problems regarding nutrition from health problems due to food or a common, efficient and dynamic food and connections between animal and something harmful for health is found policy. human diseases. This has increased the from the food. Globalization of the Estonia conducts food safety monitoring interest of people towards food safety food chain is constantly creating new programmes, collects data on pathogens, and methods of agricultural production challenges and threats to the interests pollutants, residues of pesticides, (organic farming, regular farming, of consumers. It is the state’s obligation mycotoxins and GMOs in foodstuffs of genetically modified organisms or to follow that food consumed by the GMOs). The public is mostly interested vegetable origin. Also Estonian animal population, would be safe despite to see the food available, healthy, with herds and animal holdings are being its origin. The state can only enforce affordable prices and of high quality. inspected against diseases. regulations, establish institutions The movement of food products between providing supervision and support It is not possible for the supervisory different markets in the world, it is functions, but the main responsibility agents to inspect all food lots that are inevitably accompanied by the risk to in ensuring that food meets the sent to the market or catering enterprises. consumers’ health. Therefore, European requirements lies on the producers, Inspection takes place through enterprise Union pays a lot of attention to food processors and distributors of food. recognition, the approval of their own safety. Food safety is one of the most check plans and risk-based checks The principle of the European Union food important fields of activity also for the (inspections, audits, collecting test safety policy is to apply the approach Ministry of Agriculture of Estonia. In samples). Everyone who processes food of ”from stable to table,” which 2007, the reorganization of Estonian food not only for self-consumption, has to be includes all the fields of the food chain supervision took place, which meant registered and is subject to inspection. – feedingstuffs production, plant and that the whole field of food supervision animal health, animal welfare, activities A well functioning cooperation of went into the area of supervision of the connected to agricultural production, supervisory institutions in the European Veterinary and Food Board. food processing, storaging, transport, Union enables to receive quick information The topic does not affect a regular retail, import and export. This kind of about outbreaks of infectious animal person much in their every day lives, a all-inclusive approach, which clearly diseases and food crises in other Member however, food safety comes to the specifies the responsibility of food and States. So far, Estonia has been safe from agenda when the consumers suffer feedingstuffs processors, represents bigger food crises.

ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES LOCAL FOOD IS VALUED 15

Industries have to adapt to new During the last years, when the profit Cooling down of the economy has market conditions and cope with margins of enterprises have decreased, also influenced product assortment, lower prices compared to the the time of cost cutting has begun. especially in case of meat products. pre-recession time. Estonian consumer is rather price sensitive. During the economic peak times more Food industry is an important industry The economic recession, accompanied with expensive flavored prepared products, in Estonia with its traditions that higher unemployment and decrease in in- hard sausages and smoked meat provides about one fifth from the total come, turned the consumers more conser- products were produced more, but production of the processing industry. vative – consumption declined and purchase in new conditions, a wider share of Around one third from this is formed by preferences changed. This situation­ has the market has gone to minced meat, milk processing and one fifth by meat also reduced the investment possibilities of cooked sausages and frankfurters. processing. The relevance of food and the industry. Investments have decreased According to the Veterinary and Food beverage industry from the Estonian GDP in every field, for example,investments ­ to Board, 113 meat and 40 milk processing has stayed around 2%. the meat industry were made 65% less in enterprises were active in Estonia in 2009 than the year before.­ When during the time of accession to the 2009. About half of the meat processing European Union, food industry mainly Compared to other EU Member States, enterprises had their own slaughter paid attention to bringing the enterprises the decline in production volumes of food houses. Domestic raw materials were into compliance with the EU food safety and beverages industry has been one used in the Estonian meat industry up requirements, introducing new techno­ of the steepest in Estonia. This shows to 52 000 tons and 54% of meat used logies for that purpose, then further the vulnerability of our food industry in the industry was of domestic origin. on, product and market development and strong dependence on the market A growingly larger among of bought-in became the center point for attention. situation of the world. milk is used for cheese production. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 16 Local Food is Valued

European Union organic farming logo

still created by the small production volumes of several product groups and a poor selection of processed organic products. This in turn causes a constantly broadening marketing of imported organic products. The measures of Organic Farming Development Plan help to increase the number of enterprises engaged in the processing and marketing of organic products. The goal of the development plan is to increase the share of domestic organic products in the Estonian food market to 3 percent by 2013. In the end of 2009, there were 51 On the one hand, with the increase of export of agricultural products and fish enterprises from 13 counties dealing production volume and on the other doubled within four years, the export with the processing or marketing of hand, with the decrease of consumption, of processed agricultural products organic products in the Organic Farming domestic market meat self-supply level increased most of all. Register and this number is growing fast. has risen to 84%. Through time, Estonian Estonian milk products are traditionally Organic farming gives a good opportunity consumer has preferred domestic meat; with a high export potential. Considering for small enterprises to distinguish therefore, it is understandable that the volume of Estonian milk production themselves from the so-called main­ meat and meat products in Estonian and consumption of milk products, stream food industry and therefore draw supermarkets are mostly the products of Estonia could export almost half of more attention to their products. Estonian meat industry. its production. Almost half from the Traditionally, pork is consumed the most cheese produced in Estonia is exported. in Estonia, after the danger of avian in- Regarding meat products, pork has been fluenza the production of poultry meat exported the most over the years and its Number of enterprises engaged in organic production processing and marketing has become more intensive again. Mutton intensity has been around a third. comprises one percent from the Estonian 2003–2009 The number of people who knowingly * number of enterprises in the Organic meat production. Even though Estonia Farming Development Plan has enough suitable area for sheep farm- follow the principles of healthy diet is *75 ing and the number of sheep is growing constantly rising in Estonia. This trend vigorously, mutton production bores on. has increased the demand for organic The reason for this might be that mutton food. The public is mostly interested in consumption is not traditional. the places, where organic food can be 51 bought and the way how to recognize it in The intensity of agricultural products supermarkets. in the total export of Estonian goods 32 forms around a tenth. With the accession Consumers demand for organic food 24 to the European Union, Estonia gained is higher than the suppliers’ readiness 14 access to the EU internal market and to market it. Even though organic plant 10 4 double customs in trade with Russia production and animal farming has 2 were abolished. In the new conditions, developed fast in Estonia, problems are 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2013* ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES ENVIRONMENT ATTRACTS MORE AND MORE 17

has constantly decreased over the last decades, Estonian, Tori and Estonian heavy draught horse, as well as Estonian landrace bovine animal have been declared endangered species.

Several landscape elements and cultural heritage objects are situated on agricultural lands, which make the landscape more vivid and provide a habitat for several plants and animals. For example, stone walls help to preserve the cultural heritage related to agriculture, offer habitat for several vascular plants, lichens and mosses and for small mammals, reptiles and insects. Environmentally friendly thinking and Compared to other areas in the same A special RDP support is targeted for production methods are spreading latitude Estonian flora and fauna is very the restoration of stonewalls, which has more and more in Estonia. The diverse. Nevertheless, it is not enough, become very popular. preservation of the environment and when diverse biota is protected only local areas and sustainable usage of in the areas outside agricultural land. Regular environmental monitoring is resources are some of the Estonian Attention must also be focused on carried out in Estonia in order to check priorities. the biological diversity of agricultural environmental conditions. Besides national environmental monitoring, the Food production is inevitably lands. Therefore, mowing and grazing is necessary for the preservation continuous assessment of measures accompanied by the usage of natural helps to evaluate the efficiency of resources, first and foremost, the usage of heritage and semi-natural biotic different rural life supports. Specialists of soil and water. It is important that communities – wooded meadows, of Agricultural Research Centre, who farmers use natural resources rationally alvars, flooded and coastal meadows. assess the environmental measures, and preserve them also for future Otherwise, these areas can grow wild study most of all the fields connected to generations. and be coppiced. soil, aquatic environment, living nature Therefore, preservation of the Besides semi-natural biotic communities, and agricultural landscapes. environment and local areas is one of the Estonian landscape is made vivid by priorities of Estonian Rural Development livestock who is grazed outside. A An Estonian proverb says that soil is Plan (RDP). Agri-environment support large share of grazed animals is of a farmer’s gold. Like in Europe, soil helps to implement environmentally local breed. There are two recognized protection mostly describes fight friendly methods both in the traditional, traditional breeds in Estonia – Estonian against erosion, i.e. the loss of soil also as well as organic farming and facilitates horse and Estonian landrace bovine in Estonia. Erosion happens when the the preservation of biological and animal. These breeds have adapted to amount of precipitation is higher than landscape diversity, compensating for the local flora and climate over centuries the permeability of soil and due to this farmers’ costs related to environmentally and are a part on our cultural heritage. process the loss of soil is much faster friendly management. Since the numbers of these animals than its formation. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 18 Environment Attracts More and More

Organic plant production in the years 2003–2013 (hectares) * area in the Organic Farming Development Plan Soil erosion is a more serious problem An important indicator when assessing in South-Estonia. In erosion sensitive the biological diversity of agricultural

areas, land is mostly used as permanent landscapes is the diversity and number 103 000

grassland and this is correct from the of birds and bumblebees. Birds are 102 767 point of view of soil protection. important for agriculture as the 87 347 exterminators of pests from plants and 81 528 Soil agrochemical monitoring and 73 770

animals. Bumblebees are very important 59 742 drafting of fertilizer rate charts had

pollinators – for example, in case of rape, 46 016 been on a high level for decades. During 42 573 pollination facilitates a more balanced the 90s of the last century this tradition maturing of the harvest and quality was broken and systematic collection of improvement. In several European soil samples was started again in 2000. countries, the number of birds living on 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2013* Agricultural field acidity can also be fields has been decreasing. The reason discovered by taking soil samples. Acid for that is regarded to be intensive Environment and habitat soils cover a bit less than one third of agriculture and wide use of plant preservation measures for the years total agricultural land in Estonia. protection products. 2007–2013: Also excessive humidity and paludi­ There are about 120 species of field birds O Support for less-favoured areas fication have slowed down agricultural in Estonia, skylark is the most abundant O Natura 2000 support for agricultural development. Even though drainage and is found the most in the central part land ­systems have been established to drain of Estonia. As a habitat, skylark prefers O Agri-environment support 643 000 hectares of agricultural land large treeless fields, which can be found O Support for environmentally friendly and 677 000 hectares of forest land, in that region the most. management a large part of land still suffers from Support for organic production Aside intensive agricultural production, O excessive humidity. Support for keeping animals of local environmentally friendly ways of thinking O endangered breeds A lot of land improvement systems and production are spreading more and Support for the maintenance of semi- were established during the time of more in Estonia. Environmental or green O natural habitats large agricultural holdings and are now way of life is gaining popularity: more Support for growing plants of local located on the lands of different owners. than one tenth of Estonian agricultural O varieties Unfortunately, single land owners often land is used for organic farming; in Animal welfare: support for grazing cannot maintain the drainage. Land 2009, the Organic Farming Register had O animals improvement cooperatives have been 1278 enterprises dealing with organic Support for non-productive established, since it is wise to carry out beekeeping, plant production or animal O investments together the renovation and maintenance farming with a total of 102 767 hectares Support for the establishment and works of systems located on the owners’ of land. The goal of the Organic Farming O restoration of stonewalls lands. It has also been possible to apply Development Plan 2007–2013 is to increase Support for the establishment of for RDP support for the preservation and the area of organic agricultural land to O mixed species hedgerows renovation of drainage systems. 120 000 hectares by the end of 2013. O Support for the establishment of protection forest on agricultural land O Natura 2000 support for private forest land ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES COOPERATION MAKES LIFE BETTER 19

North-Harju Partnership East-Harju Partnership Rural Economy Research Centre The Partners South-Järvamaa Järva Development Partners Development Center Partnership of South-Järvamaa Partnership Viru Region Cooperation North-East Coast Nelja Valla Kogu Council

Raplamaa Partnership Registered Association TAL L INN NAR VA Western-Harju Partnership R AK VE R E Peipsi-Alutaguse Kodukant Läänemaa Chamber of Cooperation Hiiumaa Cooperation Network Pandivere Development K ÄR DL A and Incubation Center HAAP S AL U Jõgevamaa Cooperation Chamber West-Estonian Islands Partnership

P ÄR NU TAR TU Tartu Development Association K UR E S S AAR E Pärnu Bay Partnership Põlvamaa Partnership Green Riverland Partnership

Mulgimaa Development Borderlands Leader

As of: April 2010 Võrtsjärve Association Map: Estonian Land Board Võrumaa Partnership Assembly Data and design: Rural Economy Research Center Valga County Partnerships Board

Rural development presumes local improving cooperation between the rural areas. After the local action group initiative and cooperation between public, third and private sector, in order has made their choice on the projects different sectors. In the areas, where to determine the needs and possibilities and verified their compliance to the the number of population is small and of a specific area, develop a strategy for strategy, they will be sent to ARIB, where entrepreneurship not very profitable, the region and then implement it. the eligibility of planned costs is being local community viability plays an assessed and a decision to satisfy the By 2008, local area development important role. project application is made. strategies were finished, which were the LEADER approach, which foresees good basis for 2007–2013 LEADER application The amount of project application sent cooperation on the local level, plays a submission. During the programming to ARIB shows that local initiative is very important role in rural development. period 2007–2013 LEADER was added flourishing and people have a definite wish LEADER (Liaison entre Actions de to the Rural Development Plan together to develop their home regions. Developpement de l’Economie Rurale − with the other rural development This kind of approach, where decision connections between different activities measures. LEADER measure makes up making rights, starting from the drafting for economic development of rural one tenth from the current RDP measure. of strategies until project election, areas) is an initiative programme of the 26 local action groups formed cover 98% are given to the local level ensures European Union, which promotes local of the rural areas in Estonia. that projects, which answer to the life through cooperation between local LEADER action groups, which have needs of a specific community, are communities and local action groups. created a development strategy and being implemented. Therefore, great In promoting local life and solving measures for their region coordinate the expectations are set for LEADER measure problems start had to be made with assessment of project applications in and its effect on community development.

ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES THE RETURN OF COASTAL FISHING 21

Estonia has managed to bring its fishing fleet into compliance with fishing opportunities, local fisheries organizations have created development strategies for their area and started the implementation of these strategies. Fisheries sector in Estonia is versatile, including different directions: deep sea and coastal fishing, inland fishing and fish farming. Estonian fishermen catch most of the fish from the Baltic Sea, but also inland catches and production of fish farms are represented in the industry and trade. In the Baltic Sea, fish is caught both from the open sea, as well as near the coast. resources is visible. Resources for cod production would still go for export. Most popular fish in case of deep sea and salmon are not that good. fishing are sprat, Baltic herring and cod; Bad condition of fish resources and in case of coastal fishing the choice are Professional fishermen are also active difficult economic situation of fishermen more diverse: Baltic herring, perch, smelt, on Estonian inland waters. Inland fishing describes the situation of world fisheries bream, garfish, pike-perch, roach, goldfish, mostly takes place on Lake Peipus and at the moment. These keywords describe white fish and sea trout, pike, Baltic vimba Võrtsjärv. Fishes that are caught the most also the situation in Estonia. and eel. Sprat and Baltic herring are more are perch, flounder, pike-perch, roach, Until Estonia’s accession to the European important in the economic sense. Those pike, eel and lamprey. Union there was no considerable fisheries fish species are also the main raw material 75 percent of Estonian fisheries production development policy. Supervision over for Estonian fish industry. goes for export. Even, if Estonians started the usage of fishing rights was weak and Sprat and Baltic herring resources are to consume more fish (at the moment, resources were used too intensely. In the still considered to be good in the Estonian Estonians eat around one third less fish European Union conditions, supervision economic zone, but a decrease in the than the average European), a large part of over fishing has improved. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 22 The Return of Coastal Fishing

The Ministry of Agriculture has started fisheries policy – so that they could get to focus more attention on increasing the a price for their catch, which ensures sustainability of the fisheries sector as their economic sustainability. Therefore, an economic sector in the conditions of the establishment and functioning of limited fish resources. Estonian fisheries trawl fishing producers´ organization and policy can be summarized in three pillars: activities arising from the local initiative - Implementing this kind of catching of coastal areas have been supported. organization, which improves the Regional fisheries organizations have situation of fish resources created development strategies for their - Helping fisheries sector to adapt to areas and started their implementation. lower fishing opportunities Development of fish harbours is an - Making supervision efficient over the important activity, biggest progress whole fish processing chain is expected to be seen in the field of Fishing opportunities have to be fixed marketing – fishermen will be closer to according to the actual situation of fish the final consumer with their catch and resources and the resources cannot be therefore, receive a higher pay for their sacrificed for short-term economic and work than so far. social goals; the key of fisheries sector In 2010, research and development economic sustainability lies in restructuring activities connected to fisheries and cooperation – there are the Estonian were actively begun and the fisheries positions in forming fisheries policy. information and notification centre, Estonia has managed to bring its fishing which should become an important help fleet into compliance with fishing for all entrepreneurs in the fisheries field, capacity and usable fish resources. This started its activities. means that fish that have remained on For years the country has contributed fishing can be managed effectively. The to the development of fishing industry, renovation of fishing gear and vessel supporting the adaptation of new modernization has been supported to a technologies in the fishing industry. This significant extent. helps to improve the competitiveness Supporting the fishermen is a very of Estonian fish products both in the important direction in the Estonian domestic, as well as foreign market. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES The Return of Coastal Fishing 23

10 12 13 14 8 11 15 17 9 19 6 7 18 5 16 3 4

1 56 2

59 58 55 60 57 21 20 54 2322 24 53 25 52 26 62 63 51 27 61 28 48 29 Fish farming is compensating more and 49 50 more for decreasing fish resources, which 34 47 37 42 38 main directions are commercial fish 39 30 43 40 31 farming and fish farming for restocking 36 32 44 41 33 of natural waters. Fish farmers offer the 46 45 35 service for angling tourism. Also lobster farming is represented. Through time, mostly rainbow trout and carp have been farmed in Estonia, but thanks to new technologies, it is now possible to farm powans, pike-perch, perch, sturgeon, 1 Ristna * 14 Eisma 27 Kallaste 39 Liu * 52 Topu 2 Kurkse * 15 Karepa * 40 Lao * 53 Pusku Arctic char, eel and tilapia. From the point 3 Paldiski * 16 Kunda * 28 Kolkja * 41 Kihnu * 54 Österby * of view of capacity, rainbow trout is most 4 Lohusalu * 17 Mahu 29 Varnja * 42 Kungla 55 Hara * 5 Lohusalu 18 Toila * 30 Mehikoorma 43 Nasva * 56 Dirhami * important, which is also farmed in fish 6 Leppneeme * 19 Narva-Jõesuu 31 Räpina * 44 Salme 57 Suursadama * tourism enterprises. 7 Neeme 20 Vasknarva * 32 Võõpsu 45 Läätsa * 58 Hiiesaare * 8 Kaberneeme 21 Alajõe * 33 Lüübnitsa 46 Kaunispe * 59 Kärdla 9 Salmistu * 22 Rannapungerja 34 ... *** 47 Atla * 60 Kõrgessaare * Aquaculture largely depends on the 10 Tapurila sadam 23 Lohusuu * 35 Jaagupi * 48 Vahuranna 61 Sõru * import of juvenile fish and roe, because 11 Eru 24 Kalmaküla 36 Võiste 49 Võrkaia 62 Orjaku * 12 Käsmu 25 Raja * 37 Vana-Sauga 50 Virtsu Vanalinna * 63 Salinõmme Estonia does not have centres for the 13 Võsu 26 Omedu * 38 Lindi * 51 Puise reproduction of breeding material. Estonian aquaculture production capacity * Registered in the port register fell, after the dissolution of collective ** Strategy does not specify the name of renewed port farms, to 300 tons, but after the accession Saaremaa – at least 6 ports or landing sites are planned to be renewed. to the European Union, it has started to The map shows 8 strategically most important ports according to the fisheries area. increase bit by bit again. Virumaa – the map shows 9 ports mentioned in the strategy. According to the strategy, altogether at least 10 ports and landing sites are planned to be renewed. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 24 DIVERSE RURAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In 2010, rural development left unused and landscape conditions Rural entrepreneurship diversification has programming period reached its half deteriorated. Less and less people and been supported in different times from term, the majority of development land found employment in agriculture. different funds. In 2010, RDP 2007–2013 plan measures have been imple­ programming period reached its half term In the changed conditions, a large share mented and tangible results can be and by the end of the year, a majority of farmers has had to find new ways seen in different fields. of the measures was started to be to make a living besides agriculture. implemented. RDP budget for this period Through time, agriculture has been Accession to the European Union has is 14,6 billion kroons. Out of this sum, a main activity for the Estonian rural given an opportunity to engage more 5,5 billion kroons are being targeted population, but the changes that took than before with different forms of for the improvement of agriculture place in the second half of the previous entrepreneurship in rural areas. Rural and forestry sector competitiveness, century brought about a great turn tourism and other services have been 5,2 billion for the improvement of the in the Estonian rural life – more and developed as new fields, renewable environment and local areas and more people moved to live in the cities, energies have started to be produced and 1,9 billion for the diversification of life villages emptied, and a lot of land was handicraft made. quality in rural areas and rural economy. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES Diverse Rural Entrepreneurship 25

A broader effect of support on rural contribute to innovation, joint activities areas is most important from the and improving Internet connection in financial indicators: almost 1400 rural areas. modernized agricultural holdings and Rural entrepreneurs form about a 300 livestock buildings, more than fifth from Estonian entrepreneurs. 200 supported young farmers, 27 000 Unfortunately, statistics show that hectares of organized land improvement entrepreneurs active in bigger centers systems, more than 450 000 hectares and surrounding parishes are more of land managed in an environmentally viable. The problems of rural enterprises friendly way, preservation of agriculture have been a small survival percentage on 350 000 hectares of land in less and small capability to make investments favored areas, more than 20 000 from their own capital. hectares of maintained semi-natural biotic communities, keeping of 3000 Domestic consumption, foreign markets endangered animal breeds, up to 100 000 and a possibility to get a loan influence animals grazed outside, compensation the Estonian rural entrepreneurship a for Natura 2000 limitations on around great deal. When a few years ago, fast economic growth and cheap loans often 60 000 hectares of field and forest land, compensated for managerial mistakes, more than 40 km of restored stonewalls, then a fast cooling down of the economy more than 500 diversifications and turned the situation insecure for many. 600 village renewal and development The future is less secure for companies projects, 26 local action groups, around based on domestic capital, who fulfill 1300 LEADER projects … small single orders, also for those who This is only a small list of tangible results do not have the possibility to renew that have been achieved through the RDP. equipment and make a way to the foreign Next, the Ministry of Agriculture will markets with their trademarks.

ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES RENEWABLE ENERGY HAS A FUTURE 27

Big steps have been taken in the field of renewable energies over the last years: several combined heat and power plants have been established with investments also from agricul­ tural enterprises. Aside the decrease of fossil fuel resources and the increase in their prices, there are other reasons for the development of bioenergy: decrease of exhaust gas emissions, usage of idle agricultural land and wood residues and creating fuel production possibilities for farmers. In 2008–2009, renewable energy sector developed quickly in Estonia. The majority of investments were made to the establishment of combined heat and power plants and wind farms – Väo and Tartu combined plants, which use biomass and several wind farms were completed. A boiler plant in Lihula working on herbaceous biomass

Power generation of those two combined year, 150 million kroons of support was plants together is 50 megawatts and they given for the reconstruction of boiler cover a dominant share of the thermal plants and district heating networks and energy need of Tallinn and Tartu. establishment of combined heat and power plants. Wind farms achieved a current record of power – 111 megawatts, covering at that A fast growth in using biomass has moment, one tenth from the Estonian increased the demand for wood and started electric power consumption. In addition to increase the price of wood. This creates to Väo and Tartu combined plants, a new opportunities for the forestry and similar plant was completed at the end agriculture sector to produce biomass and of 2010 in Pärnu, which also uses waste also increases their income. besides biomass. Big combined plants are Among other things, applications to build also planned to be built to Kuressaare and four biogas plants were submitted to the Ahtme. Biomass was started to be used application round of the European Regio- in Narva power plants, where its share is nal Development Fund. Since in 2009, the planned to be increased up to a tenth from biogas laboratory of Estonian University of the used fuel. Life Sciences was finished, a fast develop- An application round started in 2009 ment can be expected in the field of biogas and funded by the European Regional over the next years and most probably Development Fund gave a push to the many new plants will be built, in addition establishment of smaller, up to two- to the only biogas plant using agricultural Forest chips are used as biofuel megawatt combined plants. In the first ­residues, which is located in Valjala. to produce heat and power ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 28 Renewable Energy has a Future

In October 2009, the first boiler plant recession. In the middle of 2009, import RDP entails several measures, which can working with green biomass was opened customs were enforced on USA biodiesel be used to support investments to the in Lihula. It was completed in the and restructuring procedures were production of renewable energy. In 2008, framework of a project co-financed by started in the enterprise. the measure “Investments to bioenergy the European Economic Area financial In 2009, Kadarbiku farm, a vegetable production” was implemented for the mechanism. As green biomass, Lihula grower in Harju County started the first time. 20 applications were received Soojus boiler plant is using hay gathered production of spirit from sugar beet with and the sum of applied support was 25,3 from Kasari river bottom land, which new equipment bought with the help of million kroons, whereby the total volume of has to be mown in order to preserve the RDP investment support. The preliminary investments together with the applicants´ landscape of Matsalu wetland. Also, plan was to produce bioethanol and sell own share was more than half increased. Matsalu bay reed and green biomass it to gas stations, but due to oil price Due to the complicated situation of of local agricultural enterprises can be decrease and a drop in bioethanol sales, agriculture in 2009, investment capacity burned in the boiler plant. this plan was not realized and the produced decreased. When in the production of power and spirit is sold to wholesale buyers. For example, the buying and installation of heat energy from renewable resources As a supplement to the single area Aravete Agro Plc container type combined went through a quick development payment scheme, it was possible to apply plant was supported in 2008 with 3,1 in 2008-2009, then consumption of for support for growing energy crops million kroons and in 2009, the buying biofuels in transport has not increased, during 2007–2009. In 2009, this support of wood chipping machine, boiler plant remaining at a half percent level from was applied for about 24 600 hectares. equipment and wheel loader and the design the total consumption of transport fuels. Starting 2010, the EU no longer pays work of biofuel storage facility of Habemiku Practice of most European countries support for energy crops. farm was supported with 2,8 million kroons. shows that it is not possible to achieve significant development in the field without the obligation of adding biofuels to sold transport fuels and public sector investments to public transport using renewable energies. The biggest and most modern biofuel producer in Estonia is Paldiski biodiesel plant, which started production at its full-capacity in July 2008. Unfortunately, the plant got into financial difficulties at the end of 2008, due to importing the cheap subsidized USA origin biodiesel to the EU and the outbreak of the economic ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES THE FUTURE OF RESEARCH – 29 JOINT RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

Programme based financing of agricultural Agricultural applied research is being research funded by national programmes Agri­ Mill. kroons cultural Applied Research and Devel- 35 opment Activities 2009–2014, Plant Breeding Programme 2009–2019 and 30 the ­development plan Collection and Pre­ 25 servation of Genetic Resources of Agri­ In order to fulfill the development plan cultural Crops for the Years 2007–2013. Collection and Preservation of Genetic 20 The goal of the applied research Resources of Agricultural Crops for the Years 2007–2013, genetic resources of 15 programme is to help to increase agricultural crops are being preserved by the competitiveness of agricultural 10 Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute, Plant production and processing, also to Biotechnology department EVIKA of the 5 ensure sustainability, analyze risks to Estonian Research Institute of Agriculture, the consumer and the environment 0 Polli Horticultural Research Centre of the 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 accompanied by agricultural production Estonian University of Life Sciences, The and products and develop solutions Botanical Garden of the University of Tartu Plant breeding programme to diminish those risks throughout the and Department of Gene Technology of Development plan for the collection and whole production and processing chain. preservation of genetic resources Tallinn Technical University. of agricultural crops Research is being carried out in the Estonian research institutes have Applied research programme fields of food safety and health, plant been outstanding in the abundance of production and plant health, animal publications and good cooperation with With limited resources, it is husbandry, activities supporting farmers, but unfortunately, due to limited important that researchers and agricultural production, rural economy resources, it is impossible to be successful research institutions would and social studies. in all the fields of agricultural research. Therefore, finding cooperation possibilities cooperate more than so far and that In 2009, a Plant Breeding Programme with other European research institutions is research programmes of different was started, which specifies the goals European countries would be better inevitable. of plant breeding and lists necessary harmonized. activities for the achievement of In order to integrate national research Agricultural research is being engaged those goals. Jõgeva Plant Breeding programmes and for joint development with at the Estonian University of Institute, Estonian Research Institute of pan-European research networks have Life Sciences, Jõgeva Plant Breeding Agriculture, Estonian University of Life been established (ERA-NETs). The Ministry Institute and the Estonian Research Sciences and Tallinn Technical University of Agriculture has joined two networks – Institute of Agriculture. participate in the programme. ERA-NET Core Organic II (organic farming) and ERA-NET Euphresco II (plant health). In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture is participating in the development of ERA-NET SUSFOOD (sustainable food production). One remarkable process in the European research field is planning European Union common research programmes. Its main goal is to react to social problems and new challenges. The Ministry of Agriculture participates in the programme Agriculture, Food Security and Climate Change. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 30 VOCATIONAL AND CONTINUING EDUCATION STAY UP TO DATE

Education connected to rural petence centre for the food industry, Kehtna Economy and Technology School economy follows the general where producers, especially small teaches land improvement and hydraulic directions of agriculture and rural producers, receive advice on growing engineering, also it is possible to become life – the relevance of agricultural agricultural crops, also the production a non-road mobile machinery technician. education decreases and other rural and marketing of foodstuffs and food. professions increase. All vocational schools have created Luua Forestry School has specialized continuing education and retraining Estonia has altogether nice vocational in the preparation of mid-level forestry possibilities for adult learners. schools connected to rural economy. In specialists, forest management three of them, agricultural workers with can also be studied at Pärnumaa Prerequisite for the development of voca­ broad knowledge are being educated: it is Vocational Education Centre. Põltsamaa tional education institutions are practical possible to specialize in plant production Occupational School teaches besides study bases equipped with modern at Olustvere School of Service and Rural household economics also agriculture, appliances, which form the basis for the Economics; animal breeding at Järvamaa Hiiumaa Occupational School teaches students´ good practical training. The Vocational Education Centre and landscape construction and agriculture Estonian Rural Development Foundation horticulture at Räpina Gardening School. is also represented in the curriculum pays a scholarship to students of agri­ Olustvere school has become a com­ of Vana-Antsla Vocational High School. cultural study programmes. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES CHANGING ADVICE 31

In the development of an advisory The development of Estonian agriculture system, the services offered by the and rural advisory system has made a advisory service have to be made long and complicated journey after the more client centered and the new Estonian re-independence. The advisory generation of agricultural advisers and information system of a small country has to be actively trained. like Estonia has been dependant on political directions, as well as personal viewpoints All farmers use advice coming from of different decision-makers. During the last different sources, but in Estonia and years, advisory system development has also in all of Europe, there is a growing been made possible thanks to a purposeful Training for the practical implementation of advisory need by the farmers for professional development of a communication network. product “Shovel Test” method in Saaremaa, Tölli farm. Photo: Ülar Loolaid and up–to-date advice. On the one hand, Involving agricultural advisors with the this is caused by the diversification of advisory centers improves the availability agricultural production, on the other of advice. Advisory centers have been hand, the enlargement of farms that established and specific advisory activities brings about the need for well organized have been started. management, marketing, logistics and waste management. Every county has an approved advisory centre; every centre has professionally Therefore, the task of the advisory certified agricultural advisers at least system is to promote, in addition in the fields of plant production, animal to the distribution of know-how husbandry and financial management. In and information, also a suitable 2009, there were 164 certified agricultural way of thinking among agricultural advisers in Estonia. In their activities, entrepreneurs that fits with market the centers consider the needs and trends. Agricultural producers mostly peculiarities of the county. Agricultural need advice in preparing support advisers give advice to single clients, as Training to introduce and try the advisory product “Shovel Test” method in Eerika, Tartu county. applications and business plans well as groups, organizations and interest Photo: Ülar Loolaid connected to them. groups. The clientele varies by regions.

Training on advisory methods for foresters, meeting with a forest Training for the practical implementation of advisory product owner in Varbola, Rapla county. In the picture: Valdu Reinaas, “Shovel Test” method in Saaremaa, Tölli farm. Photo: Ülar Loolaid Ants Varblane, Taavi Ehrpais (forest owner). Photo: Ülar Loolaid ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 32 Changing Advice

In order to ensure quality advice and the functioning of agricultural advisory system, the Ministry of Agriculture has appointed a coordinating centre, which prepares action and training plans and analyses the work of agricultural advisers, also engages in the development of advisory products and advertising and searches for opportunities for cooperation with other organizations.

The transfer of advisory system from the supervision of the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce to the Estonian Rural Development Foundation in 2010 Training to introduce and try the advisory product Training for the practical implementation was a big talking point in agriculture and “Shovel Test” method in Eerika, Tartu county. In the of advisory product “Shovel Test” method rural life circles. centre Endla Reintam. Photo: Ülar Loolaid in Saaremaa, Tölli farm. Photo: Ülar Loolaid

Opinions were different, but all of those advisory system development plan descended from the concern, if and how and changes in legal acts and financial the advisory system can be made more schemes. client-friendly and proper. The working group also formulated With the transfer of advisory service national targets of the advisory system, to the Estonian Rural Development which definitely include improving the Foundation, the further development competitiveness and sustainability of of the system was mainly kept in mind. agriculture and rural economy sector, The network of agricultural advisers had improving the quality of advisory service, been totally developed by the time of diversification of advisory products, the transfer; people were specialists in fulfillment of obligations taken by the Preparations for the discussion of the future of the their own field who were trusted by the state, strengthening the advisory system advisory system – are we able to cooperate? Seminar farmers and other rural entrepreneurs. and increasing the relevance of market in Käo, Tartu County (Waide motel). Photo: Ülar Loolaid based research. In order to get an so- The Ministry of Agriculture proposed the called outside look, the Estonian Rural Estonian Rural Development Foundation Development Foundation ordered a study to coordinate the advisory system at the on the development possibilities of the end of 2008. In February 2009, a working Estonian advisory system. group was formed to organize the work of the advisory system, which included The goal of the Estonian Rural both officials, as well as representatives Development Foundation is to make of all interest groups. The task of the the advisory service self-sufficient and working group was to analyze the organized in the longer perspective, in situation and possibilities of the advisory a way that the state orders a service system and make suggestions to the for the fulfillment of its obligations and Minister of Agriculture on the wording goals from an independent advisory of the Estonian agriculture and rural organization.

Training on advisory methods for foresters. Meeting with a forest owner (Taavi Ehrpais) in Varbola, Rapla County ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES Changing Advice 33

Coordinating Centre for the Estonian IN JÄRVA COUNTY IN RAPLA COUNTY Agriculture and Rural Advisory Service NGO Help for the Farmer NGO Rapla Advisors Union Address: Kreutzwaldi 64, Tartu 51014 Address: 1) Jäneda 73602; Address: Kuusiku rd 6, Rapla 79511 Telephone: +372 731 3652; 2) Pärnu rd 56, II floor, Paide 72712 Telephone: +372 489 4342; +372 485 5696 +372 731 3651; +372 731 3650; Telephone (in Jäneda): +372 384 9725; Fax: +372 489 4342 +372 5346 7465 Fax: +372 384 9720 E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +372 731 3652 Telephone (in Paide): +372 385 0569; Webpage: http://www.rny.ee/ E-mail: [email protected] Fax: +372 385 0569 IN SAAREMAA Webpage: http://www.pikk.ee E-mail: [email protected] NGO Islands Advisory Centre http://www.nouandeteenistus.ee/ Webpage: www.janeda.ee/apm Address: Tallinna rd 27, Kuressaare 93811 IN LÄÄNE COUNTY Telephone: +372 455 6145 APPROVED ADVISORY NGO Läänemaa Advisory Centre E-mail: [email protected] CENTRES Address: Tehnika 2, Uuemõisa small Webpage: http://www.saartenk.weebly.com/ IN HARJU COUNTY town, Ridala parish, Läänemaa 90401 IN TARTU COUNTY NGO Harju Farm Union Advisory Centre Telephone: +372 472 9007, NGO Tartu County Farmers Union, Address: Aasa 1, Saku 75501 +372 5650 6109 Tartu Rural Advisory Centre Telephone: +372 6042 499; E-mail: [email protected] Address: Jalaka 48, Tartu 50109 +372 604 1104; Webpage: http://www.hot.ee/hplnouanne Telephone: +372 736 6955; E-mail: [email protected] LÄÄNE-VIRU COUNTY Fax: +372 736 7510 Webpage: www.hot.ee/htlnk NGO Viru County Farmers Union, E-mail: [email protected] IN HIIUMAA Lääne-Viru County Agriculture Webpage: http://www.tartufarmer.ee/ NGO Hiiumaa Advisory Centre Advisory Centre IN VALGA COUNTY Address: Mäe st. 2, Käina 92101 Address: Vahtra 8, Roodevälja village, NGO Valga County Farmers Union, Telephone: +372 463 1191; Sõmeru parish 44207 Valga County Advisory Centre +372 5647 3322; Telephone: +372 325 5099; Address: Aia 17, Valga 68203 E-mail: [email protected] +372 551 7871 Telephone: +372 766 1754; +372 504 2260 Webpage: http://www.hiiuteave.ee/ Fax: +372 325 5099 Tel/fax: +372 764 1754 E-mail: [email protected] IN IDA-VIRU COUNTY E-mail: [email protected] Webpage: http://www.virumaapml.ee/ NGO Ida-Virumaa Farmers Union, Webpage: http://www.valgapl.ee/ Viru Advisory Centre IN PÕLVA COUNTY IN VILJANDI COUNTY Address: Rakvere 14, Jõhvi 41533 NGO Põlva County Farmers Union NGO Viljandi Agriculture Advisory Telephone: +372 337 0527; Address: Jaama 83, Põlva 63308 Association Fax: +372 337 1185 Telephone: +372 799 2930; Address: Vabaduse square 4, Viljandi 71020 E-mail: [email protected] +372 7992 928; +372 5647 4215 Telephone: +372 433 3608 Webpage: http://www.ivtl.ee/ Fax: +372 799 2930 Fax: +372 433 3608 E-mail: [email protected] IN JÕGEVA COUNTY E-mail: [email protected] Webpage: www.hot.ee/polvapl NGO Jõgeva Producers Union Webpage: http://www.vpnu.ee/ Address: Aia st 2, Jõgeva 48306 IN PÄRNU COUNTY IN VÕRU COUNTY NGO Võru County Telephone: +372 772 1107; Pärnu County Farmers Advisory Farmers Union, Fax: +372 772 1107 Centre Plc Võru County Farmers Union Advisory Centre E-mail: [email protected] Address: P. Kerese 4, Pärnu 80010 Address: Liiva 11, Võru 65609 Webpage: http://www.jogevatl.ee/ Telephone: +372 443 0923; Telephone: +372 782 1669; +372 782 4077; +372 444 1961 +372 5663 1990 Fax: +372 443 0923 Fax: +372 782 1758 E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Webpage: http://www.nouanne.ee/ Webpage: http://www.taluliit.info/

ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL BOARD 35

The establishment of the Agricultural regulating the fields of land impro­ corresponding activities. State supervision Board simplifies and makes it more vement, plant health, plant protection, of the whole field belongs to one effecient to serve the citizens and seed and plant propagating material, institution and therefore the quality of entrepreneurs, also improving the plant variety rights, fertilizer, organic supervision is improved. availability and quality of services. farming, control of wild oats and Uniting different knowledge and horticultural products and exercising The Agricultural Board (AB) started its experience creates a good prerequisite for state supervision. One new function activities on 1 January 2010 and was a faster development of all united fields. was added – extrajudicial proceeding formed by merging the Plant Production Therefore, experience of the former Plant of misdemeanors arising from the Land Inspectorate, local land improvement Production Inspectorate in exercising Improvement Act. bureaus and Land Improvement Bureau of state supervision and proceeding of Supervision and Expertise. There were several reasons for the misdemeanors also help to start the same creation of AB. One of them was that AB continues everything that the diffe­ activities in the field of land improvement. only governmental institutions have the rent institutions used to do separately: The experience of people engaged in right to exercise state supervision. Until fulfillment of tasks set by legal acts land improvement with the development 2010, in addition to the inspectorate, of GIS systems on other other hand, supervision was exercised also by create prerequisites for a corresponding land improvement bureaus and Land development of the rest of AB fields. Improvement Bureau of Supervision and Management and administration Expertise, in addition to the inspectorate, functions, state procurement organization but the latter two are not governmental and budget and financial control, institutions. The Ministry of Agriculture bookkeeping and personnel services of did not find it expedient to establish a the former institutions were centralized in new exclusive governmental institution. the new board. Support services and state Competence centers were established assets in the ownership of the board were in different counties after the creation started to be jointly maintained. The board of the board, which comprise of creates a consistent and central system officials engaging in plant production, for in-service and retraining. as well as land improvement. The compartmentalization of institutions has been decreased with the establishment Address of the Agricultural Board: of AB, because every county now Teaduse 2, 75501 Saku, Harjumaa; has one local centre, which provides Email: [email protected] ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 36 MUSEUMS ADVOCATE RURAL LIVE

Museums are no longer just places to collect antiquities, but active history tellers and centers for social life. There are three museums active in the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Agriculture: the Estonian Museum of Agriculture in Ülenurme, Tartu County; C. R. Jakobson Farm Museum in Kurgja, Pärnu County and Estonian Dairy Museum in Imavere, Järva County. The role of agricultural museums is to help remember our roots, preserve the good reputation of agriculture and highlight the important role of agriculture in society. Great emphasis is laid on the public exhibition of stored items, introduction of rural culture and way of life and popularization of rural professions. The activities of the museums are targe­ ted to different interest groups: old and young, men and women, representatives of different professions. An important share is formed from work with young- sters – aside the introduction of expo- sitions, also different workshops are ­regarded important, where children and Agricultural museums help us to remember our roots. youngsters can try various farm works. View of the Estonian Agricultural Museum in Ülenurme. The expositions of all the named museums are cultural in their essence, giving the visitor an overview of traditions national food of Estonia. A permanent importance of domestic milk production and customs connected to the country, as exposition gives an overview of the and processing, in order to stay an original well as people who have been the opinion development of agriculture and rural cultural nation. leaders in different times and therefore life, which peculiarity lies in using influenced the well-being of the Estonian C. R. Jakobson Farm Museum has modern technologies in introducing the people and country. developed educational programmes development of agriculture and rural life introducing different farm works, for The Estonian Museum of Agriculture from ancient times until today. has, for example a rye and rye bread example “Autumn in Farm”. They also programme, with the goal to design Estonian Dairy Museum organizes, have programmes connected to Christmas and value the share of bread in the in cooperation with the Ministry of and Shrove Tuesday. There is a farm Estonian cultural traditions and introduce Agriculture, Estonian Dairy Association culture school at the museum in Kurgja, the grounds for a healthy diet to the and milk producers and processors, which is targeted for families – different visitor and also rye bread and bread a Milk Day with the goal to introduce workshops take place and necessary skills products as one of the most important domestic milk products and advocate the for farm life are being taught. ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES VISION AND MISSION OF THE AREA OF GOVERNANCE 37 OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

Main fields of activity of the area Vision of the area of governance of Mission of the area of governance of of governance of the Ministry of the Ministry of Agriculture: the Ministry of Agriculture: Agriculture: Estonia has a viable rural area with We ensure a competitive agriculture Food safety, plant health, animal welfare and competitive agriculture and fishing and fisheries sector and facilitate the health; rural life, agriculture and food indus- industry that ensures food safety and development of rural areas! try; fishery, research and development. consumer satisfaction.

ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES INSPECTORATES, BOARDS, CENTRES AND OFFICES 39 WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE MINISTRY

Ministry of Agriculture Rural Economy Research Centre Jõgeva Plant Breeding Institute Address: Lai st 39// Lai st 41, Address: Jäneda, Tapa parish, Address: J. Aamisepa 1, 15056 Tallinn 73602 Lääne-Viru County Jõgeva small town, Phone: +372 625 6101 Phone: +372 384 9700 48309 Jõgeva County Fax: +372 625 6200 Fax: +372 384 9701 Phone: +372 776 6901 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Fax: +372 776 6902 www.agri.ee www.maainfo.ee Email: [email protected] www.sordiaretus.ee Agricultural Registers and Estonian Animal Recording Centre Information Board Address: Kreutzwaldi 48A, 50094 Tartu Estonian Agricultural Museum Address: Narva rd 3, 51009 Tartu Phone: +372 738 7700 Address: Pargi 4, Ülenurme parish, 61714 Phone: +372 737 1200 Fax: +372 738 7702 Tartu County Fax: +372 737 1291 Email [email protected] Phone: +372 738 3810 Email: [email protected] www.jkkeskus.ee Fax: +372 738 3811 www.pria.ee Email: [email protected] Veterinary and Food Laboratory www.epm.ee Veterinary and Food Board Address: Kreutzwaldi 30, 51006 Tartu Address: Väike-Paala 3, 11415 Tallinn Phone: +372 738 6100 Estonian Dairy Museum Phone: +372 605 1710 Fax: +372 738 6102 Address: H. Rebase 1, Imavere, Fax: +372 621 1441 Email: [email protected] 72401, Järva County Email: [email protected] www.vetlab.ee Phone/Fax: +372 389 7533 www.vet.agri.ee Email: [email protected] Estonian Research Institute www.piimandusmuuseum.ee Agricultural Board of Agriculture Address: Teaduse 2, Saku, Address: Teaduse 13, Saku, Farm Museum Of Carl Robert Jakobson 75501 Harju County 75501 Harju County Address: Kurgja, Vändra vald, Phone: +372 671 2602 Phone: +372 671 1542 87612, Pärnu County Fax: +372 671 2604 Email: [email protected] Phone/Fax: +372 445 8171 Email: [email protected] www.eria.ee Email: [email protected] www.pma.agri.ee www.kurgja.ee ESTONIAN AGRICULTURE, RURAL LIFE, FISHERIES 40 Structure of the Ministry of Agriculture

Counsellors to the Minister

Minister of Agriculture

Internal Audit Department Counsellor to the Ministry Secretary General

Deputy Secretary General Deputy Secretary General Deputy Secretary General Deputy Secretary General for Rural Development for Agricultural and Trade for Foreign Relations and for Food Safety and Fisheries Policy Policies Development

European Agricultural Research Administra- Public Legal Rural Fishery Trade and Food and Union and Financial Personnel Market Plant Health and tive Relations Services Development Economics Agro-Food Veterinary Foreign Depart- Depart- Regulation Department Development Depart- Depart- Depart- Department Department Department Department Affairs ment ment Department Department ment ment ment Department

Trade and Land Admi­ External Fishery Animal Alcohol Food Plant Improvement EU Affairs nistration Financial Development Products Market Surveillance Production and Land Bureau and Service Resources Bureau Bureau Regulation Bureau Bureau Use Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau

Rural Market Plant Market Food Plant Foreign Accoun- Entrepreneur- Regulation Informatics Products Development Safety Protection Affairs tancy ship and Trade Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau Bureau

Fisheries Public Agricultural Agri- Regulation Animal Organic Property Income Environment and Data Health Agriculture Admi­ Policy Bureau Analysis Bureau Bureau nistration Bureau Bureau Bureau

Local Initiative Food and Human Hygiene Environment Bureau Bureau

Animal Welfare and Zootehnics Bureau