Act on Support for Rural Development. Country/Territory Finland Document type Legislation Date 2006 (2010) Source FAO, FAOLEX Subject Agricultural & rural development Keyword Agricultural development Subsidy/incentive Less favoured areas Ecological production/organic production Basic legislation Geographical area Arctic, Europe, Europe and Central Asia, European Union Countries, North-East Atlantic, Northern Europe Abstract This Act provides for support granted for rural development that is funded by the Community and corresponding national funds or entirely by national funds. Its objectives are to enhance diversity the economic activities in the rural areas, to improve the operating conditions and competitiveness of rural enterprises, to promote the competitiveness of agricultural products and to improve the quality of life of rural residents, in compliance with the principles of sustainable development. The Act does not apply to support or compensation granted to an operator engaged in agriculture for agricultural production activity, giving up agriculture or improving the structure of agriculture or to support funded under the structural funds of the European Community or the European Fisheries Fund. The Act, among other things: sets out the general conditions for granting the support; provides with respect to support for enterprises and projects; provides for follow-up on support. Support is related in certain circumstances to protection of the environment. Full text English/Swedish Website www.finlex.fi