Cooperation with Denmark

Cooperation with Denmark started in 1992. Denmark was one of the major cooperation partners for Estonia until the accession to the EU. The main sectors during the first years were meat and dairy industry; trainings were organised in Denmark for the specialists of these sectors. Researches for the development of meat and dairy industry in Estonia were carried out.

Advising was also one of the priorities of the cooperation. With the help of Denmark, Jäneda Training and Advisory Centre and the advisory system were established. The last big project was thr Development of integrated advisory system during the years 1999-2000. Several projects have been aimed at the training of advisors, farmers, students of agricultural schools, officials, and co-operative activities during these years. Many Estonian farmers went to practical training in Denmark. We have good cooperation with the Danish Farmers Union, Danish Farmers Advisory Centre and specialists of cooperative activities.

While during the first years, our main partner was the Danish Ministry of Agriculture, then due to the accession to the European Union, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Environment of Denmark have been added.

We have had good cooperation with Denmark in the field of phytosanitary for many years. The main emphasis is on the training of the officials, staff of supervisors in the counties, laboratories etc. Also, we have received expert help from Denmark. The co-ordination of cooperation has proved to be one of the best organised spheres, and this thanks to the Danish experts, who have also worked in the Estonian Ministry of Agriculture.

Several projects have been carried out such as: the project between the Danish and Estonian Plant Production Inspectorates, the project of Estonian-Danish exemplar farm; assessment and control, project of structural funds, the Registration of plant protection products, Good experiment practice, Implementation of the directives on veterinary and food control of the European Union, Development of organic farming, The system of independent determination of raw milk quality, Specification of fertiliser norms, Development of Agricultural and Rural Development Information Coordination Centre for better distribution of EU Requirements.

Now, main cooperation takes place on the level of the European Council meetings and through SCA. Overall, our priorities of cooperation are the exchange of information and experts.