At present there are 13 fixed-term theme groups appointed by the Rural Policy Committee. Each of these cross-sectoral theme groups has been assigned a specific but quite broad topic to work on. The members represent various organisations, associations, businesses, universities and administrative bodies.
The working methods of the theme groups vary according to the topic. They organise seminars and public events, publish newspapers and information material, and often communicate actively via the Internet.
Most of the theme groups have 10-20 members, a chairperson and a secretary. They convene 5-10 times a year. Part of the funding for the groups comes from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and part from other public or private sources.
The working groups under the Rural Policy Committee focus on a single, more strictly limited task. At present there are 3 working groups.