Growing momentum in primary production – 10.03.2026

Interest in primary food production is clearly on the rise. This was reflected in the impressive turnout at the Agricultural Science Days 2026 (Maataloustieteen päivät in Finnish), which gathered nearly 700 participants at the University of Helsinki’s City Centre Campus in early January. The strong engagement is an encouraging sign for anyone working in or around the primary production sector.

Over two days, participants were able to choose freely among 167 oral presentations and explore 177 posters. The need for science and research-based knowledge remains significant, and the enthusiasm could be felt among the diverse group of experts who came together to present new findings, exchange ideas, and build future collaboration.

This year’s event once again offered a wealth of new insights. With such an inspiring start, the year ahead looks promising.

Photo: TREASoURcE

Our team also contributed to the conference with a poster from TREASoURcE, focusing on a local bioeconomy model and rural–urban symbiosis, presented by project manager Riina Kärki (The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners, MTK) and project manager Jaana Koivisto (EcoFellows). In discussions about our research and pilots, the need for multidisciplinary and high-level research emerged to understand increasingly complex structures and the need for change. Focusing on individual details is no longer enough. What we need now is system‑level understanding.

10.03.2026 | Riina Kärki (MTK)

For more information, contact: riina.karki@mtk.fi

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