Brussels, 17/03/2004 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission decided on Tuesday to give the go-ahead to a national aid programme in favour of farmers in southern Finland, for 2004 to 2007. The programme provides State aid to investment (the sum is not known at this stage) and other structural aid to improve agricultural structure, income aid of 420 million EUR for animal production and horticulture, and an additional envelope of 225 million EUR for cereals producers (under agro-environmental measures). This aid was authorised by the Commission under article 141 of Finland's Accession Treaty, which authorises interim aid to Finnish farmers in the event of serious difficulties following the country's accession to the EU. Finland will present an evaluation report in 2006. If it wishes, the Commission will look into whether there is justification for extending support beyond 2007.