Southern Savonia nominated for EU Organic Awards as top organic region

Southern Savonia has been selected as a finalist for the European Union’s Organic Awards in the Best Organic Region category. Competing alongside Southern Savonia are regions from Spain and Portugal. Taina Harmoinen, the director of the Ekoneum Association for the development of the food economy in Southern Savonia, expressed her joy over the nomination, attributing it to extensive collaboration among local organic initiatives.

Harmoinen highlighted two key success stories from the region: the establishment of the Organic Institute in 2013 and the organic collaboration among vegetable growers in Haukivuori, both of which were emphasized in materials submitted to the EU. The Organic Institute is a joint research network between the University of Helsinki and the Natural Resources Institute Finland, serving as a national entity based in Mikkeli. Haukivuori is home to several nationally recognized organic actors.

Approximately 10% of farmers in Southern Savonia are organic producers, a significant achievement considering the region’s farms. The percentage of organic farming in the region stands at 18%, compared to the national average of 14%, with Juvalla reporting as high as 40%. Additionally, Sulkava has surpassed the 25% target set by Finland and the EU.

The EU Organic Awards aim to recognize best practices in organic production and encourage innovation. Although not a monetary prize, it offers increased visibility for organic research and production. Harmoinen believes the award could open opportunities for organic research and development in Southern Savonia, which already has ongoing international projects related to organic farming. The visibility could also stimulate local interest in purchasing regional organic products, potentially leading to a snowball effect in demand.

Finland features two nominees this year, with Kouvola’s Tommi Hasu from Organic Matti also in contention for the Male Organic Farmer of the Year award. The winner will be announced on September 23 in Brussels coinciding with the EU Organic Day.