Cattle exports are vital for Finnish agriculture, not a threat

The export of live cattle is not a threat but a vital necessity for the survival and development of Finnish agriculture, according to agricultural economist Aapeli Piesala. He argues that while ethical concerns regarding animal transport should not be ignored, Finland cannot afford to isolate its agricultural sector from the global food system and its economic realities.

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We live in an era of international trade where the transport of live animals is a completely normal, regulated, and established practice.

Piesala contends that in an era of international trade, the movement of live animals is a regulated and established practice. He emphasizes that Finnish agriculture is already heavily regulated and that further tightening of rules, outside the context of the global food system's focus on productivity, demand, and competitiveness, would be detrimental. The current economic situation forces farmers to seek paying customers elsewhere when domestic industry fails to cover production costs.

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Instead of viewing exports as a problem, it should be actively increased.

Instead of viewing exports as a problem, Piesala advocates for actively increasing them. He urges the entire food industry to focus on export markets, stating that if Finnish agriculture is to remain viable, it must embrace its role in global markets. This approach, he believes, is essential for maintaining and developing the sector, allowing for necessary investments and sustained operations.

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If we want Finnish agriculture to survive, we must dare to be part of the global market.