Finnish team to discuss pig farm profitability

The Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is preparing a working group to consider the profitability crisis of Finland's pork producers. Representatives from all levels of the food production chain, from farmers to consumers will be part of the initiative.

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Sirkka-Liisa Anttila invited representatives of the food production sector to the ministry for a two-hour discussion focusing on the problems faced by pork producers. Farmers say that the price at which they must sell the meat no longer covers the cost of production.

Anttila, speaking in national newspaper Kaleva came out in favour of a European-wide decision to lift value-added tax on food. In the interview, she said that Finland cannot be the only country to make such a move, and that therefore, a joint EU decision would be needed.

The lifting of VAT on food would especially promote the production of domestic meat, she says. Proposals have already been suggested to lift the tax on all healthy foods in order to encourage better eating habits. The government has already approved a reduction of the food tax from 17 to 12 percent beginning next year.

Related Website
â€¢ Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

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