Abstract
Based on interpretations of policies concerning elements of multifunctionality of agriculture and rural areas (MFA) in China and Finland (representing the EU), we apply a timetable to illustrate the evolution of these policies in the past twenty years. It can be concluded that in terms of the three elements of MFA, namely, food security, food safety and animal welfare, there are clear differences in the time and frequency of the corresponding policies implemented or amended in China and Finland. On the other hand, for environmental protection and rural viability, the relevant policies have been addressed and renewed following a similar timetable in both countries. A number of reasons for the difference in implementations relating to economic development, the supply of food products, the demand for environmental services, income level and values, and policy-making structures are given.