The Finnish Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Owners (MTK) has raised a significant alarm regarding the state of food production in Finland, stating that the ongoing conflict in Iran threatens to impose additional costs that could amount to hundreds of millions of euros. The increase in costs is attributed to the rising prices of fertilizers and fuels, which pose a direct threat to agricultural sustainability and operational viability. MTK warns that these price hikes are especially detrimental to crop production, which is already burdened by an existing economic crisis where producer prices have fallen while production costs continue to soar.

In response to the escalating situation, MTK convened its board, demanding the government take swift action to secure crop yields. The organization highlights that the emergency measures concerning supply stability, which were implemented in spring 2022, demonstrated the government’s capability to stabilize the agricultural sector swiftly. MTK's president, Tero Hemmilä, emphasizes the necessity for these strategies to be redirected specifically towards supporting crop production, which is in dire need of assistance at this critical juncture.

Additionally, MTK is advocating for a governmental allocation of 100 million euros to enhance compensation for natural disadvantages, along with further support to address the pressing issues faced by farmers. This financial backing is seen as a crucial step in stabilizing the agricultural landscape, ensuring that Finnish farmers can continue to produce essential food crops amidst a range of growing economic pressures and uncertainties.