Our Philosophy
Roots in the soil,
gaze on the future
Our mission is to help food producers, farmers, and land stewards improve their quality of life and nurture healthier agro-ecosystems.
We want to equip food producers with the knowledge and tools to make the transition to economically, socially, and ecologically sustainable agriculture possible—one hectare and one farm at a time.
Shared Goal, Diverse Methods
Regenerative Agriculture
Farming in collaboration with nature, enhancing soil health and ecological vitality.
Healthy soil is at the heart of regenerative agriculture. Regenerative farming refers to a farming method that revitalizes not only the soil but the entire ecosystem. In addition to good yields, the goal is to improve soil fertility and health, increase biodiversity and soil carbon storage, and ensure functional water management. Regenerative farming is an individual journey. Those interested in it share a desire to develop ecological literacy and holistic thinking. Regenerative farming is not a one-size-fits-all method, but a pathway toward a vision. Regenerative farming is more than isolated practices. What matters is not only what is done, but also how it is done. Regenerative farming is a flexible way to apply good agricultural practices contextually, tailoring them to the conditions that suit each situation best. Regenerative farming shares many principles with organic production and takes them even further in some respects. In regenerative agriculture, the farm business and its ecosystem are managed holistically and profitably, by supporting nature's own growth processes and minimizing external inputs. The objective is to balance various ecosystem functions: energy, water, and mineral cycles, biodiversity, and human activity. What is actually being regenerated? Soil, farms, and ecosystems. The purpose of regeneration is to create the most resilient ecosystems and agricultural systems possible. Alongside market understanding, ecological literacy, understanding holistic systems, and promoting biodiversity are emphasized. In some contexts, regenerative agriculture is also linked to social renewal perspectives. In this sense, the term closely corresponds to the concept of agroecology. For example, according to the European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture, regeneration is "a life-affirming process focused on positive impacts achieved in social, ecological, and economic well-being." In this sense, regeneration is context-specific—solutions are tailored to local conditions and needs—and systemic, recognizing the complex interconnections among agriculture, the food industry, regulation, and food culture while promoting a holistic approach. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION European Alliance for Regenerative Agriculture (EARA): A European organization promoting regenerative agriculture. https://eara.farm/ Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG): A Finnish foundation working for the Baltic Sea and its catchment area, e.g., by promoting regenerative farming. www.bsag.fi/uudistava-viljely/
Organic Farming
Widely recognized, officially regulated and certified form of agroecological farming based on organic production methods.
Organics emphasizes preserving biodiversity, fostering soil structure and microbiome health, localized nutrient cycles, and the ethical treatment of animals. Organic farming emerged as a reaction to industrialized agriculture and has historical ties both to biodynamic farming developed in the early 20th century and to modern regenerative farming. Organic farming is the only production method defined and supervised in legislation, compliance with which entitles one to an official organic certificate. With regard to agricultural activities, organic production is based on the following specific principles laid down in the organic regulation: a) the maintenance and enhancement of soil life and natural soil fertility, soil stability, soil water retention capacity, and soil biodiversity, preventing and combating the loss of soil organic matter, soil compaction, and soil erosion, and the nourishing of plants primarily through the soil ecosystem; b) the limitation of the use of non-renewable resources and external inputs to a minimum; c) the recycling of waste and by-products of plant and animal origin as inputs in plant and livestock production; d) the maintenance of plant health by preventative measures, in particular the choice of appropriate species, varieties, or heterogeneous material resistant to pests and diseases, appropriate crop rotations, mechanical and physical methods, and protection of natural enemies of pests. (EU Organic Regulation Article 6) In organic crop production, tillage and cultivation practices must maintain or increase soil organic matter, enhance soil stability and biodiversity, and prevent soil compaction and erosion. Soil fertility and biological activity must be maintained and enhanced. Key Definers and Resources Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto): Responsible for the supervision and guidance of organic production in Finland. www.ruokavirasto.fi/teemat/luomu/ Luomu.fi (Luomuliitto, ProAgria, Finnish Organic Research Institute, Pro Luomu): An umbrella website providing information on organics and compiling information from industry stakeholders in Finland.
Agroecology
Both a science and an approach to ecologically sustainable farming practices, largely similar to regenerative farming. Also a social movement driving a broader sustainability transition.
Agroecology is both an academic discipline and an approach to ecologically sustainable farming practices, largely aligned with regenerative agriculture. Additionally, agroecology refers to a social movement working not only toward sustainable agricultural production but also toward a broader sustainability transition. Agroecology is a multidisciplinary approach to sustainable agriculture that integrates ecological principles, social justice, and local knowledge. It is a holistic approach considering ecological, economic, social, and cultural dimensions in food production and rural development. Agroecology is simultaneously a science, a farming practice, and a social movement. As a science, agroecology is grounded in participatory and interdisciplinary research and the synthesis of diverse knowledge systems. As a practice, agroecology corresponds in substance to regenerative farming. It applies ecological principles to agriculture, ensuring the sustainable and regenerative use of natural resources and ecosystem services. As a social movement, agroecology aims to transform food systems into ones that are more sustainable, equitable, and rooted in local communities. The movement fosters localized food value chains, community-led farming, food citizenship, stronger human-nature connections, healthy lifestyles, and a broader material culture that is regenerative, fair, and respectful of planetary boundaries. Its goal is to optimize interactions among plants, animals, humans, and the environment while promoting socially just food production. Agroecology is often linked to transformative agency aimed at empowering food citizenship, revitalizing and repopulating rural areas, and ecological spatial planning. Regenerative agriculture is a parallel, hands-on, farmer-driven approach focusing especially on restoring soil health and ecosystems, while also recognizing the importance of community and human well-being. As a movement, agroecology aims, according to Professor Juha Helenius, for "a technological sophistication where primary food production and processing recycle plant nutrients and are bio-energy self-sufficient, eating is an active way to steward ecosystems, and the food system supports the decongestion of metropolises into socio-culturally and ecologically thriving rural regions." The Agroecological Network's 2025 future vision highlights: "Holistically produced high-quality raw materials are part of a vibrant Finnish food culture that values nutritious, environmentally sound, and culturally appropriate food. Farming is recognized as vital economic, cultural, and ecological work. Rural areas are vibrant and diverse. Food operators of all sizes can succeed and thrive. Appreciation for high-quality food guides consumer demand, public support, and policymaking. Local and short production and distribution chains provide viable options for producers and real opportunities for citizens to source food." Key Definers and Resources Agroecology Europe: European association promoting agroecology. www.agroecology-europe.org Juha Helenius: Finnish agroecology expert and pioneer in the field. (Source: Finnish Food Authority) Towards a Sustainable Food System Network (Kohti kestävää ruokajärjestelmää): Finnish grassroots network promoting a sustainable food system.
Permaculture
An agroecological approach applied especially in small-scale diverse farming, ecological landscape design, and community and homestead gardening.
Permaculture practices emphasize ecological literacy, localized nutrient cycles, community, fairness, and a sufficiency economy. The relationship between permaculture, technology, and industrial production is generally cautious, favoring simple and low-maintenance solutions. Permaculture is an agroecological design methodology aimed at creating sustainable systems that meet the needs of individuals, human communities, and nature in both the short and long term by mimicking and utilizing natural ecological processes. These systems can encompass food and energy production, shelter, economic activity, and culture—essentially all human endeavors. At the heart of permaculture are three core ethical principles: Earth Care – caring for soil, forests, water, air, and all living beings, recognizing nature's intrinsic value. People Care – caring for self, kin, and communities locally. Fair Share – balancing consumption with ecological sustainability and the needs of future generations, and returning surplus into the loop. Permaculture design is based on a set of universal design principles derived from observing natural ecosystems and identifying recurring patterns. By applying these principles, one can design productive, self-regenerating systems that adapt effectively to environmental changes. Permaculture is most commonly practiced in homesteading, smallholding design, and community gardening, though it is also successfully applied at farm scale. Key Definers and Resources Finnish Permaculture Association (Suomen Permakulttuuriyhdistys): Provides information on permaculture and its application in Finland. https://permakulttuuri.fi/