MAA- JA METSATALOUSMINISTERIO (MMM)

Their core work

Finland's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is the national policy authority responsible for agriculture, forestry, food systems, water resources, and rural development. In H2020, it acts as a funding body and policy coordinator for ERA-NET Cofund programs, pooling national research budgets with other European countries to launch joint transnational calls in sustainable agriculture, forestry, and food systems. The ministry brings regulatory perspective and national research funding commitments to these networks, ensuring that EU-wide research priorities align with Finnish bioeconomy and land-use strategies.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Early H2020 work (2015–2017) centered on resource efficiency, sustainable intensification of agriculture, biomass valorization, and animal production systems — broad foundational themes for the bioeconomy. From 2017 onward, the focus sharpened toward sustainability in food systems (food chain, processing, waste reduction), forest-based bioeconomy, and digitalization of agri-food (ICT-AGRI-FOOD with smart systems and big data). The shift reflects a move from general agricultural productivity concerns toward circular economy, food sustainability, and digital transformation of primary industries.

MMM is moving toward digitalization and ICT integration in agri-food systems, suggesting future collaborations should emphasize smart farming, data-driven forestry, and circular bioeconomy approaches.

How they like to work

MMM overwhelmingly participates as a partner (10 of 11 projects), with only one coordinator role (ForestValue) — consistent with its function as a national ministry that co-funds transnational research rather than leading technical work. Its 114 unique partners across 40 countries indicate an exceptionally broad network, which is typical of ERA-NET programs where each participating country brings its own funding agency. Working with MMM means access to Finnish national funding calls and a gateway into Nordic research ecosystems.

With 114 unique consortium partners spanning 40 countries, MMM has one of the broadest networks achievable through systematic ERA-NET participation. This reach extends well beyond Europe, as ERA-NET Cofunds often include associated countries and international partners.

What sets them apart

MMM is not a research performer — it is a national funding ministry, which makes it a fundamentally different type of partner than universities or research institutes. Partnering with MMM means gaining access to Finnish national research funding streams and policy-level support for agriculture, forestry, and food innovation. For consortium builders, having a national ministry as a partner signals strong political commitment and can unlock national co-funding that ERA-NET Cofunds require.

Highlights from their portfolio

• ForestValue
  The only project MMM coordinated, reflecting Finland's strategic leadership in forest-based bioeconomy research at the European level.
• ERA-GAS
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 192,060), addressing the critical intersection of agriculture, forestry, and climate through GHG monitoring and carbon sequestration.
• ICT-AGRI-FOOD
  Most recent and forward-looking project, signaling MMM's strategic pivot toward digital transformation of agri-food systems with smart farming and big data.