Government newsletter - Rural proofing decisions at the Government Offices
23 March 2012

Rural proofing decisions at the Government Offices

A tractor on a field Photo: Lars Stenman/Johnér

Harnessing the commitment and development capacity of rural areas creates conditions for growth in the whole country. In 2012, work on rural issues is being intensified at the Government Offices. Rural circumstances and needs affect most policy areas, which is why government decisions must be 'rural proof'.

Rural proofing is important in several policy areas

Creating new jobs and growth in rural areas is not the task of one policy area alone. The Ministry for Rural Affairs, with the green industries as a base, plays an important role, but development is also dependent on other policy areas. Accessibility to commercial services, infrastructure, culture, education and social services, etc. helps to create attractive conditions for living and working in rural areas. In 2012, the Government Offices is therefore intensifying its work on rural proofing proposals and decisions.

The Government's rural strategy

The Government communication 'A strategy for strengthening development capacity in Sweden's rural areas' was adopted by the Riksdag in 2010 and still applies. The Government wants to highlight rural values and opportunities, and is doing so via its forward-looking rural strategy. The strategy presents measures that have been implemented, investigated or prepared, as well as issues that are important to analyse further. In the communication, the Government also states that work on rural issues must be continuous.

The Government's Rural Development Programme for Sweden 2007-2013

One of the Government's most important tools for strengthening rural development capacity is the Rural Development Programme for Sweden, which is equally funded by Sweden and the EU. The programme funding amounts to some SEK 36 billion for the period 2007-2013. Last autumn, the Government submitted a proposal to the European Commission on changes to the programme, including increasing the funds for broadband expansion in rural areas by SEK 375 million and the introduction of animal welfare payments. Investment support and measures in the area of water are also strengthened.

New jobs based on forests

'The Forest Kingdom - with values for the world' is Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson's vision for creating conditions for new jobs related to forests and, in so doing, helping economic development in rural areas and in small towns and villages. The vision is based on the sustainable use of forests and the coequal objectives of environment and production. In January, the Government decided on an ordinance to regulate support to companies within the framework of the Forest Kingdom. The Swedish Forest Agency has SEK 10 million to distribute this year, and every year for the next three years, totalling SEK 40 million. Companies that have a business idea, or are already active in some form of enterprise based on forests, can apply to the Swedish Forest Agency for the Grow with forests' grant. Grants may be awarded for skills enhancement or support to different forms of entrepreneurship in wood processing or the experience industry.

The farmer is king of the culinary nation

'Sweden - the new culinary nation' is a vision about creating jobs and growth across Sweden. Through initiatives that focus on food and food production, as well as food in combination with experiences, new jobs will be created right up to 2020. The work of the farmer is the basis of the vision of Sweden - the new culinary nation. Without good farmers producing good quality primary products, the other parts of the culinary nation vision will fail. Primary production is therefore a prioritised area in 2012 to increase food production and thus create more jobs in rural areas. Follow along on Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson's farms tour during the spring, when he visits various types of agricultural enterprises - from pork producers in Östergötland to beef producers in Jämtland.

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