Rural affairs

On September 24 the Government decided to extend the possibility for the National Veterinary Institute to carry out diagnostics of COVID-19 in humans. The decision means an extension of one more year, until 31 December 2021.

Global warming continues regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. Climate change will remain the defining issue of our generation. The Government is therefore proposing investments of SEK 9.7 billion in green recovery initiatives in the Budget Bill for 2021. The Government’s proposals are based on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

The Government has decided to extend the ordinance that enables the provision of compensation for the temporary suspension of fishing activities – tie-up support – to commercial fishers who have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government has decided how the Green jobs initiative is to be implemented. The initiative covers the entire country and during the autumn 608 placements are planned for people who are far from the labour market. One aim of the Green jobs initiative is to alleviate unemployment linked to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.

The Government has adopted an ordinance that enables the provision of compensation for the temporary suspension of fishing activities – tie-up support – to commercial fishers who have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is being strengthened to meet educational needs and fight unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis. SLU will receive additional funding that will enable it to offer more places on educational programmes in shortage occupations and for lifelong learning.

As of Saturday 13 June, domestic travel is permitted for people with no symptoms. One important prerequisite is that the regions receiving visitors can meet their health care needs. The National Board of Health and Welfare has therefore been tasked with supporting the coordination of the regions’ health care resources during the summer. In addition, the Government will instruct the county administrative boards to carefully monitor compliance with the current recommendations throughout the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a markedly reduced demand for seafood from Swedish aquaculture since most sales go to restaurants, hotels and conference centres. This has created major challenges for fish farmers. The Government has therefore introduced temporary easing of regulations covering aquaculture licences.

The Government is investing to assist the green industries in the absence of foreign seasonal workers. SEK 11 million is being invested to facilitate the matching of unemployed people to the green industries.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party are presenting new measures to strengthen digital infrastructure. Under the proposal in the additional amending budget, SEK 202.8 million will be provided to the Rural Development Programme for 2014–2020 to ensure that budget funds previously set aside to support broadband expansion can be paid.