During the rest of the year, the Food Agency lays off its entire staff in stages for two weeks at a time.
The Finnish Food Agency, among other things, supervises and investigates the safety and quality of foodstuffs. Illustration picture. Tiina Somerpuro
The Food Agency lays off 50 people. The amount has decreased to almost half of what the Food Agency predicts in the spring. Previously, it was planned to lay off 93 people.
The dismissals will be carried out by the end of November.
In addition, during the rest of the year, the Food Agency will lay off its entire staff in phases for two weeks at a time. The layoffs do not include employees performing meat inspection duties in slaughterhouses and facilities.
Due to layoffs and layoffs and other savings, a drop in the service level cannot be completely avoided, the release says. There may be delays in customer services.
Costs have been cut
According to the release, the Food Agency managed to reduce the number of layoffs by cutting operating costs.
The agency has been able to find other savings in addition to layoffs and layoffs, for example by cutting back on investments, purchases of services, and by not filling vacated positions and employment relationships.
According to the press release, the adjustment measures are due to the fact that the Food Agency’s expenses in 2024–2028 are greater than the resources from the state budget and revenue financing.
The Food Agency promotes, supervises and investigates food safety and quality, animal health and well-being, plant health, and fertilizer products, feed, plant protection agents and propagating materials used in agricultural and forestry production.
The agency is responsible for the use of funds from EU agricultural support and rural development funds in Finland.
About a thousand experts in various fields work at the Food Agency. The staff of the multi-location agency work in around 20 locations. The net funding of the Food Agency’s operating expenses in 2024 is approximately EUR 79.5 million.
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