National support unit

The Rural Network Support Unit is based in Agency for Rural Affairs in Seinäjoki, in the heart of the vital rural region of Western Finland.
The unit coordinates and helps to ensure commitment to the national Rural Network, disseminating information on the opportunities and achievements of the rural development programmes for Mainland Finland and the autonomous Åland Islands. These programmes aim to maintain and boost the vitality of the Finnish countryside, improve the state of the environment, and ensure the sustainable use of renewable natural resources.

The Finnish Rural Network brings together the various actors involved in the rural development programmes, including Leader action groups, associations, advisory organisations and other stakeholders. The crucial factor behind the success of network activities is that actors feel they truly belong to the Rural Network, and can use it to build new links and create new forms of cooperation.
Contact us, you will find the contacts at the bottom of the page!

Rural Network Support Unit
P.O. BOX 100, FI-00027 FINNISH FOOD AUTHORITY
arkisto.maaseutu.fi, www.landsbygd.fi, www.rural.fi
email: forename.surname@maaseutu.fi
info@maaseutu.fi

Director
Teemu Hauhia
tel. +358 (0)40 545 4016
Tasks: Head of Unit

Financial Planning Coordinator
Anna Mäkinen
tel. +358 (0)50 409 5318
anna.kleemola@ruokavirasto.fi
Tasks: financial administration, purchases, clerical tasks

Network Expert
Juha-Matti Markkola
tel. +358 (0)40 559 9412
Areas of responsibility: Leader, rural entrepreneurship, international cooperation and innovation networks, coordination and nationwide projects

Network Expert

Tuomas Metsäniemi
tuomas.metsaniemi@ruokavirasto.fi
tel. +358 (0)50 352 0392
Areas of responsibility: innovation networks, research cooperation, Neuvo 2020 (rural advisory services), agriculture and forestry, environment

Innovation Coach
Tuija Kallio
tel. +358 (0)50 594 7993
tuija.kallio@ruokavirasto.fi
Areas of responsibility: Innovation networks and support, EIP Operational Groups, research cooperation, Neuvo2020 (rural advisory services)

Network Expert
Salla Ruuska
p. +358 50 323 8946
salla.ruuska@ruokavirasto.fi
Areas of responsibility: regional networks, , services in rural areas

Network Expert
Ann-Sofi Backgren
p. +358 50 324 1318
ann-sofi.backgren@ruokavirasto.fi
Areas of responsibility: Nordic-Baltic co-operation

Communications Specialist
Pirjo Onikki
pirjo.onikki@maaseutu.fi
tel. +358 (0)50 434 9896
Tasks: communication

Communications Coordinator
Emilia Koivulahti
emilia.koivulahti@ruokavirasto.fi
tel. +358 (0)50 570 7554
Tasks: communication

Date updated: Oct 15, 2021