How can future long-term changes in finnish agriculture and agricultural policy be faced? defining strategic agendas on the basis of a delphi study

Abstract

In this article, the main strategic focuses facing Finnish agriculture in the future are presented. These strategic focuses were studied using a Delphi technique by experts within the Finnish agri-food sector. Based on this study, the top 10-points and a strategic challenge evaluation of the key topics within the agricultural policy agenda are presented. The future pressures on Finnish agriculture in three dimensions, by importance, by difference in desirable and probable future images, and by certainty rating are examined. The study also extends its scrutiny on those topics that are less important according to the panel. In conclusion, a synthesis of the strategic challenges facing the agricultural sector is presented.

Acknowledgements

The financial support of the Academy of Finland under the Sunare Research Programme on Sustainable Use of Natural Resources (SUNARE) is gratefully acknowledged.

Notes

1. The scale by which the variables in each dimension are categorized is relative.

2. The value can be both negative or positive, but the assumption here is that when the difference is in a certain level it can be considered as a question of potential policy conflict.

3. Global Positioning System/Geographic Information Systems