In addition, the Rural Advisory Centres organize specialized, professional farm machinery and equipment exhibitions for farm entrepreneurs, describing the newest production technology, research, and extension. Such events provide incentives to develop the operations of the farm enterprise and enable the producer to compare different investment altematives. The training activities of the Rural Advisory Centres are tailor-made to meet the needs of farmers and other rural entrepreneurs. They supply the information and knowhow necessary for the proper management and development of the farm enterprise. Comprehensive training courses, seminars, field days, study tours, etc., are arranged to introduce the latest research results and applications to the farmers and to give them a chance to exchange views and experiences from practical work.
Instruction manuals are available on a variety of subjects of professional interest.
There is a comprehensive range of software to select from. The staff of the Rural Advisory Centres give training in the use of these programs and also provide other assistance in computer-related matters. Thus it enables them to find precisely those areas of development which are most decisive for the profitability of the enterprise. Throughout its 200-year history, rural extension work in Finland has always been based on voluntary organizations. Today, the operations of the Rural Advisory Centres are controlled by the rural entrepreneurs and other members of the Rural Advisory Organization through the elected representatives of their own associations.