Animal husbandry

You will be unable to obtain any agricultural subsidy, if the identification and registration of your animals has not been implemented in accordance with requirements. Even if your animals are pet or hobby animals and you would not be applying for agricultural subsidy, you need to adhere to the law.

Instructions

The Finnish Food Authority’s website will provide you instructions on how to proceed when you are starting animal husbandry.

Use the e-service to register as a livestock farmer and indicate the location where your animals are kept. Alternatively you can contact your local rural business authority. A list of rural business authorities is available on the Finnish Food Authority’s website. The Finnish Food Authority’s website will provide you instructions on how to proceed when you are starting animal husbandry.

In addition, you must register your animals and make sure that they are properly identified, for example, with ear tags. Different animal species have species-specific regulations and instructions applicable to markings and registration.

If you operate a fish farm, you need to be registered in the aquaculture register.

If you establish a fish farm, you must apply for a health permit for the activities. Further information is available on the Finnish Food Authority’s website.

Further information and instructions are available on the Finnish Food Authority’s website

If you are buying or selling bovines, pigs, sheep or goats, you will also need to register in the animal supplier register. Submit a registration notification to the Regional State Administrative Agency in the region where you are pursuing your activities.

Additional information and instructions on page “Notifications relating to professional or large-scale keeping of animals”.

Links to legal texts