Project

Sustainable farm in Central Finland

Project sponsors

Abbreviation
KeKeMa
Project type
Development project
Focus area
Sustainable Bioeconomy and Energy Solutions
Implementation time
1.5.2024 - 31.5.2026
Unit
School of Technology
Financing program
European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) 2023-2027
Secondary home page
https://maaseutuverkosto.fi/hankkeet/kestava-keskisuomalainen-maatila/
Project description

Sustainable
farm in Central Finland -project brings information about scientific research,
innovations and digitalization to farmers. The project aims to increase the
knowledge and skills of farmers in Central Finland in sustainability and
responsibility of farm and food production. The goal of the project is to
improve the profitability and competitiveness of agriculture in Central Finland
and to develop its ability to renew itself. The project activities focus
especially on increasing competence in intelligent solutions of livestock
production, regenerative cultivation and the diversification of field use, without
forgetting the farm management and financial and procurement competence. Improving
cooperation between farms, and well-being of farm entrepreneurs are also
important themes of the project.

The project
organizes information events, webinars, field days and barn days, company
visits and produces different
kind of electronic
materials and publications.

The primary
target group of the project are farm entrepreneurs in Central Finland and those
intending to become farm entrepreneurs, as well as employees of farm companies.
The second target group is the stakeholders and partners of farm entrepreneurs.
Beneficiaries are farm entrepreneurs in Central Finland, farm workers and
indirectly further processing companies and society.

The project
will be implemented in the Central Finland region between May 1, 2024 and May
31, 2026, by the Institute of Bioeconomy of Jyväskylä University of Applied
Sciences and ProAgria Central Finland.

 

More information

Marianne Reinikka, Project Manager

firstname.lastname(a)jamk.fi, tel. +358 40 183 7085

Project results
Sustainable Farm in Central Finland -project brought new expertise, inspiration, and concrete solutions for sustainable and profitable agriculture to farms in Central Finland. The project's key knowledge transfer themes were smart livestock production, regenerative crop production, and management in a changing operating environment. The events provided up-to-date information, practical examples, and opportunities for peer support and networking across farms and different production sectors.

The project was based on diverse and multi-channel knowledge dissemination. In total, the project organized or co-organized 51 different information sessions, webinars, field days, barn events, and other activities, with approximately 1,200 participants altogether. Participation was possible both on-site and remotely, and recordings were also made of the information sessions and webinars. This enabled broad participation by offering multiple ways to take part. In addition to events, the project produced various digital publications and materials, such as a grassland card, blogs, articles, and podcasts. A final publication compiling the current situation and specific characteristics of agriculture in Central Finland was produced as part of the project. This publication serves as an information bank for sector actors and decision-makers. The publications remain available to farmers, experts, educational institutions, and stakeholder groups even after the project has ended.

As part of the project activities, a smart livestock production pilot was implemented in suckler cow production. The pilot tested the measurement of animal welfare using sensor technology. The results provided valuable insights for the development of measurement technologies, as well as information on data collection and the suitability and durability of equipment for different animal groups. In addition, the crucial importance of reliable network connections for the smooth functioning of technology in the farm environment was identified.

The project's activities were impactful in terms of participation, cooperation, and the dissemination of knowledge. Several events were implemented in cooperation with other development projects and sector actors, enabling high-quality event content and broader knowledge transfer. The project's impact was further strengthened by the participation of a wide range of agricultural experts, who continue to share the knowledge gained from project events with their own clients. Farmers were actively encouraged to collaborate throughout the project. During the project, a regional group of rapeseed farmers was formed in Saarijärvi, serving as a good example of the power of cooperation and peer support. Participating in sector events together, sharing experiences, and celebrating successes is simply more enjoyable.

Feedback received throughout the project was highly positive. Participants from different production sectors praised the topical and engaging content as well as the opportunities for sharing peer experiences. The project staff succeeded extremely well in the overall implementation of the project.

The project publications are available on the Rural Network project page at:
maaseutuverkosto.fi/projects/kestava-keskisuomalainen-maatila

Towards Sustainable and Profitable Agriculture – podcast series on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70wH30g0XfG1GErAgNHcGi?si=1O9-UPzJRLOJKa8q7qdnwQ&nd=1&dlsi=805a8cdd67f74d16


25.5.2026