Estonian land lives and nourishes!

Food, agriculture, rural affairs, fisheries

Prepared by the Ministry of Rural Affairs

Photographs: Rita Nuiamäe, Tiit Koha, Katrin Press, Mati Sarevet, the European Commission Cover photograph: Anna Volmer

Layout: Ecoprint AS Printing: Ecoprint AS

ISBN: 978-9949-462-93-3 (print) ISBN: 978-9949-462-94-0 (pdf)

Tallinn 2019

Contents

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3ESTONIAN FOOD IS SAFE AND PRODUCED IN AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE WAY . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Organic production is labelled accordingly . . . . . . . . . . . 6Estonia prioritises food safety, the health and well-being of animals, and using local raw materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Agricultural production is the key to success . . . . . . . . . . 7Important indicators in 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Estonian food is trustworthy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9The school scheme programme promotes healthy nutrition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION AND RURAL LIFE . 10The Estonian Rural Development Plan enhances development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Life in rural areas is advanced by strong and active communities and young leaders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Leader: a plan for an active community . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Enhancing the export of refined products . . . . . . . . . . . 14SUSTAINABLE FISHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Professional fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16The fishing industry prioritises export as well as the internal market . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Recreational fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Aquaculture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

3

Preface

Agriculture, fisheries, food production, and culture are all im-portant parts of the Estonian identity. They have a significant part in shaping the Estonian general image . Approximately 150,000 people work in rural areas, comprising about 20% of total employment . Both small and large-scale businesses contribute to the development of rural economy .

As customary to Nordic countries, the Estonian food and food culture values a fresh, natural, and versatile selection . Close attention is given to food safety, animal health, and animal welfare . The quality of food and local origin of raw materials is considered very important . Food safety is monitored by both its manufacturers as well as processors . Intense supervision guarantees the high quality of food produced and consumed in Estonia as well as of imported and exported food .

The rural area is a great place to live when residents can count on well-paid jobs and suitable challenges . The accessibility of services, a beautiful and well-preserved environment, and social interaction are also important . The legacy and tradi-tions of our ancestors must be preserved in rural areas while also adapting to the changes of everyday life . By 2030, life in rural areas will be of high value and reputation, a home to active people and cooperative communities . There is room for both small and large-scale businesses who will develop the rural economy together .

The quality of raw materials, sustainable use of food, and agricultural production is increasingly more important . Feed, seeds, and propagating material must have a high quality and be used skilfully . We must also keep in mind soil protection and ensure that plant nutrition and propagating material are superior. We must also manage fish resources in a sustain-able manner .

The prerequisite for maintaining global competition is the high quality, innovation, and environmental sustainability of our products . We must cooperate more, apply the latest scientific discoveries and the best technologies. Estonia is highly self-sufficient in many sectors, enabling us to provide Estonian citizens with local food, but also transport our prod-ucts abroad, thus increasing our competitiveness .

A knowledgeable producer and consumer is at the heart of a flourishing and functioning rural life. He or she is a smart,

4

ESTONIAN FOOD IS SAFE AND PRODUCED IN AN ENVIRON-MENTALLY SUSTAINABLE WAYAgriculture, fisheries, and food production cover a large part of Estonia’s territory and have a significant impact on the landscape of Estonia .

Sustainable production is becoming more popular in the whole world, including Estonia . Consumers are turning to organic production; the number of organic farmers is increasing and the area that is used for organic farming is constantly grow-ing . Agricultural area in Estonia forms 1,002,234 hectares, of which 679,000 hectares is arable land . 21% or 210,033 hec-tares of all agricultural area was under organic production in 2018, making us the front runners in the European Union; the register of organic farming includes 1,948 organic holdings .

Alongside the constantly expanding organic farmland, the proportion of organic production in the agriculture sector has also increased and the export of organic production has almost doubled in the last three years . In 2017, organic production constituted 9% of the total agricultural production .

Organic products is increasingly more applied in child care institutions . In 2018, organic food was offered in 15 schools and kindergartens .

The Veterinary and Food Board and the Agricultural Board are constantly monitoring all organic production, guaranteeing its credibility .

In 2018, there were approximately 168 organic food proces-sors, most of them small businesses . All main food groups were processed – dairy, meat, cereals, berries, fruit and vege-tables, and herbs . Most processors handled fruit, vegetables, and berries as well as cereals and legumes .

well-paid, and motivated person, who values home, communi-ty and private property in the rural area and enjoys operating in a clean environment . The more people live in rural areas, the more secure is the security of our nation .

We aim to value Estonian food and create a good life in rural areas .

5

Organic food processors in 2012–2018Source: the organic farming register

Total production and export of organic products in 2013–2017 (million euros)Sources: the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN, total produc-tion), Kantar EMOR (export 2013), the Estonian Institute of Economic Research (export 2015, 2017)

180160140120100

80604020

0

220,000200,000180,000160,000140,000120,000100,000

80,00060,00040,00020,000

0

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2,2002,0001,8001,6001,4001,2001,0008006004002000

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

72 84102

124135

165 168

Number of processors

908070605040302010

02013 2015 2017

34.9

5.915.6

27.2

50.2

76.3

Total production Export capacity

Num

ber o

f pro

duce

rs

Number of producers

Area

in h

ecta

res

Area in hectares180160140120100

80604020

0

220,000200,000180,000160,000140,000120,000100,000

80,00060,00040,00020,000

0

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2,2002,0001,8001,6001,4001,2001,0008006004002000

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

72 84102

124135

165 168

Number of processors

908070605040302010

02013 2015 2017

34.9

5.915.6

27.2

50.2

76.3

Total production Export capacity

Num

ber o

f pro

duce

rs

Number of producers

Area

in h

ecta

res

Area in hectaresOrganic farmers and the area of organic farmland in 1999–2018Source: the organic farming register180160140120100

80604020

0

220,000200,000180,000160,000140,000120,000100,000

80,00060,00040,00020,000

0

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2,2002,0001,8001,6001,4001,2001,0008006004002000

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018

72 84102

124135

165 168

Number of processors

908070605040302010

02013 2015 2017

34.9

5.915.6

27.2

50.2

76.3

Total production Export capacity

Num

ber o

f pro

duce

rs

Number of producers

Area

in h

ecta

res

Area in hectares

6

Organic production is labelled accordingly

Labels that designate organic products: the EU organic logo and the Estonian national organic label

Organic labels that designate organic catering companies

Estonia prioritises food safety, the health and well-being of animals, and using local raw materialsFood safety in the European Union is at a high level . The safety and quality of food as well as the health and well-being of animals is prioritised in food production, along with preferring local raw materials. All animal keepers benefit from healthy animals who provide high-quality products . Livestock farming requirements guarantee the well-being of animals .

The main objective is to guarantee high-quality human health care and protect the interests of consumers within the entire food supply chain (feed, livestock farming, plant production, processing, storing, retail, etc .) . Food producers, processors, sellers, and other instances in the chain that starts on the field and ends with the consumers contribute to the safety of food . The Veterinary and Food Board monitors food safety requirements .

As at 1 January 2018, the Veterinary and Food Board was monitoring over 15,000 companies that process food . The number of companies in this field has continuously increased in the last three years (with an average annual growth of 7 .5%) . The number of small businesses who use local raw materials has increased the most .

Estonia aims to keep the number of food-borne infections below 200 cases a year. Beneficial conditions are maintained

Näited märgi väärkasutamise kohta.

Märgi pööramine, keeramine, ebaproportsionaalnemoonutamine ja märgi elementide üksikunakasutamine on keelatud.

Samuti ei tohi märgi elementide sees lubatud värvitoonideasemel kasutada pilte, fraktuure, gradiente ega muid toone.

Märki ei tohi paigutada pindadele ega taustadele,mis muudavad märgi raskesti loetavaks.

Antud juhendiga on alati kaasas

1. Kolm toitlustamise ökomärki.20-50%, 50-80% ja 80-100%(toitlustamisemark_cs5.ai - Adobe illustrator cs5 formaadis)

2. Kasutatavad kirjatüübid.Lato regular ja black.(Lato-Bla.ttf ja Lato-Regular.ttf)

LISAD

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

1234567890%

7

by an efficient monitoring system that has so far proven the compliance of nearly 100% of samples taken .

Consumers have an important role: they must be aware of the possible risks that accompany food . They must know how to prepare and consume food in a healthy way (e .g . wash hands, store food at the correct temperatures, etc .) . Information on food labelling is explained at www .toidumärgistus .ee and information on food safety is available at www .toiduteave .ee .

Food package labelling helps to make wise choices when buying food as it provides information on ingredients, pres-ervation, origin, and other important factors .

Agricultural production is the key to successIn 2018, the total value of agricultural production was 856 mil-lion euros . Nearly half of it (49%) came from livestock farming, plant production constituted 40%, and other activities made up 11% . Main industries were dairy production (28% of total production) and the production of cereals and oil crop (18%) .

Distribution of total agricultural production in 2018Source: Statistics Estonia

Milk Cereals Beef Pigmeat Sheepmeat and goatmeat Poultry meat EggsVegetables Fruits and berries

2014 2015 20172016

Gardening 6%Feed cultures 7%

Cereals 18%

Poultry 4%

Cattle 7%Pigs 8%

Dairy 28%

Technical cultures 7%

Other agricultural production 5%

Services 11%

Sheep and goats 0 .3%

100

80

60

40

20

02008 2009 2010 20182016

70 70 6674 74

195176 183 175

150 173

227

194

121 118128

9510091 73 72

100 100 10086

6055 49

5760

12 8 10 7

66

Photo: Rita Nuiamäe

8

Important indicators in 2018Cattle 251,000 including dairy cattle 86,400Pigs 290,500Sheep and goats 78,300Horses 5,700 Commercial poultry 2,109,300 Bee colonies 49,000Cereal production 920,900 tonnes Cereal growing area 350,430 haMeat production (live weight) 112,993 tonnes Dairy production 807,500 tonnes Honey production 1,253 tonnes Egg production 206,600,000 pcsFishing 87,250 tonnesThe average yield of cereals ~2,625 kg/haThe average milk production per cow ~9,330 kg

Source: Statistics Estonia

Photo: Tiit Koha

9

Estonian food is trustworthyEstonians love and trust homegrown food – it is tasty, fresh, and of high quality . The assortment of homegrown food has in-creased over the years and the selection of Estonian production exceeds the assortment of imported goods for many product groups in stores . A 2018 survey of the Estonian Institute of Economic Research shows that 74% of Estonian consumers prefer local food .

Preference of local food among Estonian citizens in 2008–2018, %Source: the Estonian Institute of Economic Research

Photo: Tiit Koha

Milk Cereals Beef Pigmeat Sheepmeat and goatmeat Poultry meat EggsVegetables Fruits and berries

2014 2015 20172016

Gardening 6%Feed cultures 7%

Cereals 18%

Poultry 4%

Cattle 7%Pigs 8%

Dairy 28%

Technical cultures 7%

Other agricultural production 5%

Services 11%

Sheep and goats 0 .3%

100

80

60

40

20

02008 2009 2010 20182016

70 70 6674 74

195176 183 175

150 173

227

194

121 118128

9510091 73 72

100 100 10086

6055 49

5760

12 8 10 7

66

The school scheme programme promotes healthy nutritionSchools and kindergartens are provided support to offer fruit, vegetables, and milk and dairy products to shape the healthy eating habits of children . It also helps to raise their awareness on the role of agricultural and food sector as food providers .

In the 2017/2018 aca-demic year, 697 Estonian educational institutions participated in the fruit and vegetable school scheme, providing fruits and vegetables to 118,535 students . During the same period, 809 educational institutions participat-ed in the milk scheme, offering milk to 198,180 students .

Photo: the European Commission

10

SUSTAINABLE FOOD PRODUCTION AND RURAL LIFELife in rural areas flourishes if people have well-paid jobs, high-quality infrastructure, and a versatile living environment . The state can help by creating a living environment that is appealing for settling down and starting a business, where people are open to new ideas and solutions, but still preserve the legacy of their ancestors . The state must make the living and business environment attractive in rural areas . In 2018, a total of 131,650 businesses operated in Estonia; 27% of them, i .e . 35,157 businesses, were located at rural areas . This number has slowly increased over time .

Of all the most important food groups, Estonia can self-pro-duce cereals and dairy (194% and 175% of the level of self-suf-ficiency, respectively). Estonian beef production is almost at a full self-sufficiency level (95%). Pork, poultry, vegetables, and fruit have not reached self-sufficiency levels and have room for further improvement .

Level of self-sufficiency of the main foods in 2012–2017Source: Statistics Estonia

Milk Cereals Beef Pigmeat Sheepmeat and goatmeat Poultry meat EggsVegetables Fruits and berries

2014 2015 20172016

Gardening 6%Feed cultures 7%

Cereals 18%

Poultry 4%

Cattle 7%Pigs 8%

Dairy 28%

Technical cultures 7%

Other agricultural production 5%

Services 11%

Sheep and goats 0 .3%

100

80

60

40

20

02008 2009 2010 20182016

70 70 6674 74

195176 183 175

150 173

227

194

121 118128

9510091 73 72

100 100 10086

6055 49

5760

12 8 10 7

66

Photo: Katrin Press

11

The Estonian Rural Development Plan enhances development The Estonian rural development policy is part of the European Union’s common agricultural policy (CAP) . During the period 2014–2020, the Estonian rural development policy is part of the EU’s common strategic framework together with the European Regional Development Fund, the European Social Fund, the Cohesion Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund . The Ministry of Rural Affairs allocates the resources through the Estonian Rural Development Plan . The Rural Development Plan for 2014–2020 has six main priorities: innovation and knowledge transfer; improvement of the competitiveness and viability of farms; food chain organ-isation and sustainable food production; ecosystems related to agriculture and forestry; promotion of resource efficiency and reduction of CO2 emissions; and promotion of social inclusion, poverty reduction and economic development in rural areas . In total, the development plan includes over 20 (sub) measures . In 2018, a total of 311 .9 million euros was paid to support the development of agriculture, the food industry, and rural development .

256,023,102

49,134,679

66,133,506

157,770,190190,692,957105,362,841

240,506,109

110,494,794

272,556,863

133,681,332

173,801,237 280,616,863

107,054,673

213,464,325

151,265,262

The distribution of support granted under the rural deve-lopment plan by county in 2007–2019Sources: the Ministry of Rural Affairs, the Agricultural Registers and Information Board

Foto: Katrin Press

12

Distribution of involved parties by age in the sectors of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries in 2014–2018Source: Statistics Estonia

100

80

60

40

20

0

Empl

oym

ent b

y age

, %

15–24 25–49 50–74

2014 2015 2016 20182017

39.0

51.9

9.1

40.8

54.0

5.2

40.0

56.8

3.6

46.8

49.4

3.9

44.7

46.1

8.7

2014 2015 2016 20182017

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

mill

ion

euro

s

Export Importincluding export of products of Estonian origin

Distant fishing Trawl fishing on the Baltic Sea Coastal fishing on the Baltic Sea Fishing in internal waters Aquaculture

1,20

7.1

847.

01,

490.

3

1,13

4.0

844.

71,

402.

3

1,08

2.0

778.

01,

442.

9

1,18

2.2

867.

71,

541.

4

1,15

3.1

869.

31,

547.

9

2014 2015 2016 20182017

2,846

44,365

10,850

10,888

2,547

47,288

11,084

12,449

3,019

48,933

12,027

11,856

2,955

53,634

15,135

10,878

3,155

56,500

17,155

10,436

Life in rural areas is advanced by strong and active communities and young leadersFor a continuous and sustainable rural development, we must improve the motivation of young people, make living and working at rural areas appealing for them, and guarantee a suitable living and business environment in rural areas . We must continue to support generation renewal in the agricul-tural sector and involve young people in agricultural activities .

Young farmers began to receive support in 2007–2013, when 846 new young farmers started in the sector . New crop and livestock farmers received the most support (not including dairy farmers) . The support will continue in 2014–2020, be-cause the proportion of 65-year-old or older managers in the Estonian agricultural sector continues to exceed the propor-tion of their younger counterparts . In 2018, 50–74-year-olds constituted the biggest age group for producers in the agricul-tural, forestry, and fisheries sectors with approx. 45%, whereas the proportion of 15–24-year-olds was only approx . 9% .

The main objective of the support is to help young farmers begin in the agricultural field, enhance generation renewal in agriculture, and raise the number of farmers with contempo-rary knowledge and experience . By the end of 2018, a total of 224 entrepreneurs had received support from the budget for 2014–2020 . A third of the support was granted to young cereal farmers .

13

100

80

60

40

20

0

Empl

oym

ent b

y age

, %

15–24 25–49 50–74

2014 2015 2016 20182017

39.0

51.9

9.1

40.8

54.0

5.2

40.0

56.8

3.6

46.8

49.4

3.9

44.7

46.1

8.7

2014 2015 2016 20182017

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

mill

ion

euro

s

Export Importincluding export of products of Estonian origin

Distant fishing Trawl fishing on the Baltic Sea Coastal fishing on the Baltic Sea Fishing in internal waters Aquaculture

1,20

7.1

847.

01,

490.

3

1,13

4.0

844.

71,

402.

3

1,08

2.0

778.

01,

442.

9

1,18

2.2

867.

71,

541.

4

1,15

3.1

869.

31,

547.

9

2014 2015 2016 20182017

2,846

44,365

10,850

10,888

2,547

47,288

11,084

12,449

3,019

48,933

12,027

11,856

2,955

53,634

15,135

10,878

3,155

56,500

17,155

10,436

Leader: a plan for an active communityThe LEADER Local Development Strategy is a plan for an ac-tive community . The main element of a Leader-type approach is assembling local activity groups from public and private sectors who would prepare regional development strategies . Developing and applying the strategies is based on the local initiative principle .

By 2019, the Leader approach had approved nearly 2,500 projects with a total sum exceeding 48 million euros . The Leader-projects are mostly focused on developing region-ally important fields and solving deficits. Microbusinesses received over 90% of the total support .

Projects are mapped at www .maainfo .ee under the ‘Visible Leader’ section to make them more approachable for every-body . Among other things, it lists the projects that enhance the development of the local food network and food produc-tion, farmer’s markets, handicraft shops, fitness trails, and many more useful societal initiatives .

More information on the Leader-type approach is avail-able on the website of the Ministry of Rural Affairs (www .agri .ee/leader) .

An interactive map of the Leader-support, charting the initiatives that have received support as of 2014

14

The value of exported and imported crop and food in 2014–2018 (including products of Estonian origin)

100

80

60

40

20

0

Empl

oym

ent b

y age

, %

15–24 25–49 50–74

2014 2015 2016 20182017

39.0

51.9

9.1

40.8

54.0

5.2

40.0

56.8

3.6

46.8

49.4

3.9

44.7

46.1

8.7

2014 2015 2016 20182017

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

mill

ion

euro

s

Export Importincluding export of products of Estonian origin

Distant fishing Trawl fishing on the Baltic Sea Coastal fishing on the Baltic Sea Fishing in internal waters Aquaculture

1,20

7.1

847.

01,

490.

3

1,13

4.0

844.

71,

402.

3

1,08

2.0

778.

01,

442.

9

1,18

2.2

867.

71,

541.

4

1,15

3.1

869.

31,

547.

9

2014 2015 2016 20182017

2,846

44,365

10,850

10,888

2,547

47,288

11,084

12,449

3,019

48,933

12,027

11,856

2,955

53,634

15,135

10,878

3,155

56,500

17,155

10,436

Enhancing the export of refined productsIn order to create comfortable living conditions in rural areas and maintain the Estonian food production, all products must be refined, marketed, and exported. Refining more raw materi-als on site guarantees a larger and more stable income from export for entrepreneurs. Refining local crop also equals a larger contribution to employment and tax revenue .

The estimated export of crop and food manufactured or pro-cessed in Estonia was 869 million euros . The largest contri-bution came from the dairy sector (21%), followed by cereals (12%) and fish (10%).

The prices of raw materials on the global market are constant-ly changing, making the income of exporters unstable . For the state, refining local crop on site equals a larger contribution into employment and tax revenues . The wider the selection of accessible target markets, the more efficiently can enterpris-es react to the changing demand and decrease the business risk if one market should become devoid .

In order to enhance export and increase the export of re-fined products, the Ministry of Rural Affairs prepared the ‘Strategy for developing export in the Estonian food sector, 2019–2022’ .

The Estonian crop and food export has strengthened its global position each year . In recent years, food has been exported

15

Photo: Katrin Press

Target countries of Estonian crop and food in 2018Source: the Ministry of Rural Affairs

to over a hundred target markets . At the same time, a major part of export has been oriented towards the EU internal market – in 2018, a total of 82% of the export turnover (713 million euros) came from exporting to other Member States of the European Union .

The largest export values are cereals, fish, alcohol, and dairy. The main target countries outside of the EU are Norway, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, and China . In 2018, crop and food export to third countries amounted to 157 million euros, comprising 18% of the total export .

Export, million euros

100–17020–100

10–204–10

1–40 .1–1

16

Photo: Mati Sarevet

SUSTAINABLE FISHINGThe Estonian fisheries sector is competitive and of high qual-ity; we have good conditions for producing fisheries and aquaculture products. Fisheries is a field with long tradi-tions and Estonian fishermen and fisheries businesses have thorough professional knowledge and experience . Thanks to them, we can enjoy fresh and high-quality local fish. For a sustainable harvest and fishing, we must manage fish re-sources economically .

Professional fishingFishing vessels flying the national flag of the Republic of Es-tonia are authorised to fish in three regions: the Spitsbergen, the Northwest Atlantic, and the Northeast Atlantic . Fishing fleets carry trawls for the initial or final processing of fish or shrimp. The Estonian state register includes five fishing vessels that belong to three enterprises .

The trawl sector on the Baltic Sea has significantly reduced its fishing capacity in the last decade to respond to existing resources . In 2018, Estonian 25 enterprises of the sector owned a total of 31 fishing vessels. The yearly fishing capacity was up to 50,000 tonnes of sprat and Baltic herring .

The number of coastal fishermen who operate on the Baltic Sea has remained relatively stable in the last decade, without showing signs of development . In Estonia, the number of fishermen who are authorised to fish in the coastal sea is approximately 1,700; the highest proportion of fishermen live

17

Fishing and aquaculture production 2014–2018, tonnesSources: the Veterinary and Food Board, Statistics Estonia

Coastal fishing harvest 2014–2018, tonnesSource: the Veterinary and Food Board

100

80

60

40

20

0

Empl

oym

ent b

y age

, %

15–24 25–49 50–74

2014 2015 2016 20182017

39.0

51.9

9.1

40.8

54.0

5.2

40.0

56.8

3.6

46.8

49.4

3.9

44.7

46.1

8.7

2014 2015 2016 20182017

1,600

1,400

1,200

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

mill

ion

euro

s

Export Importincluding export of products of Estonian origin

Distant fishing Trawl fishing on the Baltic Sea Coastal fishing on the Baltic Sea Fishing in internal waters Aquaculture

1,20

7.1

847.

01,

490.

3

1,13

4.0

844.

71,

402.

3

1,08

2.0

778.

01,

442.

9

1,18

2.2

867.

71,

541.

4

1,15

3.1

869.

31,

547.

9

2014 2015 2016 20182017

2,846

44,365

10,850

10,888

2,547

47,288

11,084

12,449

3,019

48,933

12,027

11,856

2,955

53,634

15,135

10,878

3,155

56,500

17,155

10,436

Baltic herring Perch European smelt European flounder Round goby Other

2014 2015 2016 20182017

1,3341,060 940

7181,291

8,372 8,064

1,137

6631,347

8,864

1,523

9,291

1,567

7,536

Dried, salted, or brined fish,

smoked fish (9%)

Fresh or cooled fish, excl . fillet (3%)

Frozen fish, excl . fillet (23%)

Fillet and other fish meat, incl . minced fish (22%)

Fisheries products and canned fish, caviar (20%)

Crustaceans (13%)

Crustacean products, canned crustaceans,

and Mollusca (10%)

in Saare county, followed by Pärnu, Hiiu, and Harju counties . Coastal and internal water fishing is developed and supported through local initiatives. For example, renewing fishing ports, refining fish, and creating opportunities for direct marketing; professional fishermen can diversify their activities to earn higher income in addition to seasonal fishing; traditional fishing events are held.

The fishing industry prioritises export as well as the internal marketAs at the beginning of 2019, a total of 101 institutions that processed fish and produced fisheries products operated in Estonia. Over half of the production of the local fishing industry is sold on the foreign market .

18

Recreational fishingOne of the most important aspects in 2017 for both profes-sional and recreational fishing was the new Fishing Rules entering into force on 1 January . Among other things, they elaborated the use of recreational fishing gear in internal waters, post-fishing storage in a body of water, minimum sizes of fish, closed seasons and closed areas. New fishing

Baltic herring Perch European smelt European flounder Round goby Other

2014 2015 2016 20182017

1,3341,060 940

7181,291

8,372 8,064

1,137

6631,347

8,864

1,523

9,291

1,567

7,536

Dried, salted, or brined fish,

smoked fish (9%)

Fresh or cooled fish, excl . fillet (3%)

Frozen fish, excl . fillet (23%)

Fillet and other fish meat, incl . minced fish (22%)

Fisheries products and canned fish, caviar (20%)

Crustaceans (13%)

Crustacean products, canned crustaceans,

and Mollusca (10%)

The export of fish and fisheries products of Estonian origin by product groups (proportion by value) in 2018Source: Statistics Estonia

Of Estonian export in 2018, fish and fisheries products con-stituted 108,400 tonnes, worth 147 .5 million euros . 86% of exported fish and fisheries products were of Estonian origin. The products were transported to nearly 50 target countries . External markets varied, but the most important target market for export was Finland where, in 2018, Estonian fish and fish products were sold in the sum of 27 .6 million euros . Other main export markets were Ukraine, Sweden, Switzerland, Iceland, and Denmark .

2015 2016 2017 2018Export 170 .7 134 .9 141 .4 147 .5incl . for products of Estonian origin

140 .5 107 .0 111 .0 118 .5

Import 140 .5 112 .9 124 .5 124 .6

Export and import of fish and fisheries products in 2015–2018, in millions of eurosSource: Statistics Estonia

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Recognised and active fish farms, 2017Sources: the Land Board map of 2016, the Veterinary and Food Board 2016

gear was added – trap nets (the image is of a ramp type trap net) .

Recreational fishing is a pop-ular leisure time activity that is the hobby of over 100,000 recreational fishermen. The electronic acquisition and reporting of fishing authorisations has minimised administrative obligations . Legislations regu-late the ‘everyman’s right’ .

State services are at a high level and the environmental ef-fects are kept under control . Access to bodies of water has been made easier by new marinas – quays, moles, and other infrastructure have been restored . This guarantees a simple and equal access to recreational fishing to all enthusiasts.

AquacultureThe gear and technology used in aquaculture are environ-mentally sustainable . Estonia prioritises the quality of aqua- culture, high added value, and an increasing export of aqua- culture products . The main species grown in Estonia is rain-bow trout . There is high potential for offshore aquaculture, including the culture of seaweed and carp .

1 RMK Põlula KalakasvatusSimuna Ivax OÜ: 2 Äntu kasvandus 3 Nõmmeveski kasvandus 4 Karuveski kasvandus 5 Mõdriku kasvandus6 Aviiso OÜ7 Aravuse Kalakasvandus OÜ8 Karjatalu Härjanurmes

9 Leokitalu OÜ10 Riina Kalda kalamajand CARPIO11 Arowana OÜ12 AquaMyk OÜ13 Pähkla Vähi- ja Kalakasvatus OÜ14 SK Trade OÜ15 Karilatsi Kalamajand OÜ16 Ösel Harvest OÜ17 Neli Elementi OÜ

18 For Angula OÜ19 Paadi talu OÜ20 Lapavira OÜ21 BM Trade OÜ22 Krei-Jõe OÜ23 Järvamaa KHK Vesiviljeluse

Õppe- ja Katsebaas24 Joala Fish OÜ

The most extensive projects of the Ministry of Rural Affairs in 2019 OPEN FISHING PORT DAY – the third national Open Fishing Port Day is held on 27 April . Fishermen and coastal areas can introduce their everyday lives . The event takes place in the spring high season of the Baltic herring . More information: www .avatudsadamad .ee .

MAAMESS – the ministry and institutions of the area of government will have a joint desk at the Tartu Maamess on 25–27 April .

OPEN FARM DAY – the fifth national Open Farm Day is held on 21 July . Farms and agricultural producers will open their doors for a day . Upon their own choosing, they may allow vis-itors in for two days . More information: www .avatudtalud .ee .

ESTONIAN FOOD – in the course of a year, the Ministry of Rural Affairs will organise several events to introduce Esto-nian food: choosing the food district of the year, the Open Food Industries Week in May, and the Estonian Food Month in September . More information: www .eestitoit .ee . New food experiences can be enjoyed at the Estonian Culinary Route that unites catering companies who value the local food culture . More information: www .toidutee .ee .

FOOD LABELLING – an informative campaign at the end of the year. The first campaign was held in 2018 with the purpose of encouraging consumers to read food labels and understand the information provided for them on the label . The follow-up campaign aims to secure the existing knowledge and reach an even larger number of consumers .

Food, agriculture, rural affairs, fisheries ContentsPreface Estonian food is safe and produced in an environmentally sustainable way

Organic production is labelled accordinglyEstonia prioritises food safety, the health and well-being of animals, and using local raw materialsAgricultural production is the key to successImportant indicators in 2018Estonian food is trustworthyThe school scheme programme promotes healthy nutritionSustainable food production and rural life

The Estonian Rural Development Plan enhances development Life in rural areas is advanced by strong and active communities and young leadersLeader: a plan for an active communityEnhancing the export of refined productsSustainable fishing

Professional fishingThe fishing industry prioritises export as well as the internal marketRecreational fishingAquacultureThe most extensive projects of the Ministry of Rural Affairs in 2019