This international event brings together experts, policymakers, and practitioners to advance nature credit markets and environmental innovations in agriculture across Europe. The programme combines high-level discussions, practical case examples, and networking opportunities to strengthen collaboration under EU frameworks such as CAP and Horizon Europe.

International Event · 17–18 November 2026 · Hämeenlinna, Finland

Across the European Union, nature credit markets are rapidly emerging as a complementary mechanism to public funding, aiming to incentivise investments in biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable land use. At the same time, environmental innovations in agriculture are accelerating, driven by policy frameworks such as the CAP, the European Green Deal, and Horizon Europe. Together, these developments are creating new opportunities for farmers, land managers, businesses, and public actors to collaborate, generate measurable environmental benefits, and develop scalable solutions for improving environmental conditions.

The international event brings together experts, practitioners, project partners, and policymakers from across the Baltic Sea region and Europe. The focus is on nature credit markets, environmental innovations in agriculture, and opportunities to strengthen cross-border collaboration through EU frameworks such as CAP, Horizon Europe, and EIP‑AGRI.

The afternoon seminar on 17 November provides a unique opportunity to discuss emerging European frameworks, explore national and international pilot initiatives, and deepen collaboration on improving environmental conditions through agricultural and nature-based solutions.

The event is organised alongside the Finnish Seminar on Agri-Environmental Knowledge (held in Finnish), with several shared activities on 18 November.

The two-day programme includes thematic seminar sessions, international project showcases, a brokerage event, a study visit, and participation in the Networking Fair.

Date: 17-18 November 2026
Venue: Verkatehdas, Hämeenlinna, Finland
Target audience: Experts across Europe, Finnish developers aiming to build or expand international networks, and international stakeholders interested in nature value markets, agri-environmental knowledge, and agricultural sustainability.

The event is free of charge, but the participants will cover their own travel and accommodation costs. Please contact your organization’s representative or your project coordinator to inquire about the possibility of reimbursement for travel expenses.

Registration by 30.10.2026 via the following link: https://app.eventos.fi/MYV2026/website/nature-credit-and-agri-environmental-innovations-2026

Preliminary programme

(The programme is subject to change)

Tuesday 17 November 2026

12:00 Optional lunch (at one’s own cost)

13:00 – Seminar Session 1: European Frameworks for Nature Credit Markets

European Commission keynote: EU Nature Credits Roadmap (TBC)

Nature Credit Markets in Finland: National characteristics, opportunities, and required actions
Ministry of the Environment of Finland

Nature Credit Marketplace (luontoarvot.fi): A scalable model for nature credit exchange
The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK)

Practical pathways to implementation through nature credit markets
Three to four case examples from different countries

15:00 Coffee break

15:30 – Seminar Session 2: Strengthening EU Collaboration – CAP and Horizon Europe Synergies

European Commission insights: Strengthening cooperation between CAP and Horizon Europe (HE), including EIP‑AGRI and HE project synergies (TBC)

Environmental innovations through EIP‑AGRI Operational Groups
Two examples of Operational Groups

Horizon Europe project cases linked to environmental innovations and nature restoration:
A project identifying potential links to EIP‑AGRI initiatives (TBC)
A project focusing on improving ecological status and nature values – ALFAwetlands – final results

17:30 – Brokerage & Networking Session

Facilitated networking focusing on new partnerships, international cooperation opportunities, and upcoming funding calls.

19:30 Joint dinner

 

Wednesday 18 November 2026 – Programme Additions

Morning – Field Visit (preliminary schedule 8.00–12.00)

Participants are invited to join a field visit featuring:

• a visit to an EIP project site, and
• a nature value site demonstrating practical assessment, monitoring or restoration work.

The study visit will provide hands-on insight into how innovative approaches are implemented in real landscapes and how cross‑border cooperation strengthens environmental outcomes in agriculture.

Lunch available at Verkatehdas (at one’s own cost).

Afternoon – Project Meetings & International EIP Working Group

During the afternoon, dedicated time is reserved for:

• bilateral or project‑specific meetings, and
• a meeting of the international EIP working group.

Meeting rooms will be arranged based on participants’ needs indicated during registration.

Networking at the Finnish Seminar on Agri-Environmental Knowledge

Participants are warmly invited to:

• attend the Networking Fair (“Verkostojen tori”), where a dedicated international project area will showcase cross-border initiatives and international projects, and
• join an informal, self-funded dinner at Verkatehdas

The afternoon and evening provide excellent opportunities to strengthen networks, increase project visibility, and exchange knowledge among international partners.

 

Lunch and Dinner Orders

Lunches and the dinner at Verkatehdas on 18 November are self-funded. Please find attached the Verkatehdas menu and instructions for placing your catering orders (you may change the language to English in the right top corner).

Please note that meals cannot be purchased on-site during the event. Kindly place your order by 3 November at 10:00 via this link: Bestorante.com.

 

Accommodation

We recommend booking your accommodation well in advance, as the number of available rooms in Hämeenlinna is limited.

Hotel Emilia

Hotel Emilia offers accommodation (including breakfast) at the following special rates:

• Standard single room: €109 / night
• Standard double room: €119 / night
• Superior single room: €119 / night
• Superior double room: €129 / night

Discounted rooms are available subject to availability.

Reservations can be made by:

• Phone: +358 3 6122 106
• Email: hotelliemilia@hotelliemilia.fi

Please mention the booking code:
“Maatalouden ympäristötiedon vaihtopäivät 2026”

The room allocation is valid until 1 October 2026.

Scandic Hotels

Both Scandic Hämeenlinna City (Raatihuoneenkatu 16) and Scandic Aulanko (Aulangontie 93) offer rooms subject to availability.

Scandic Hämeenlinna City:

• Single room: €129 / night
• Double room: €140 / night

Scandic Aulanko:

• Single room: €129 / night
• Double room: €149 / night

Reservations can be made:

• Online via the booking site: Scandic Hotels | Book your stay now
• By phone: +358 200 81800

Booking code: BMAA161126
Discounted rates are valid until 1 November 2026.

 

Event organisers

The event is organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland, Ministry of the Environment of Finland, The National Climate Unit of the Economic Development Centres, and National CAP Network of Finland.

For further information and practical arrangements, please contact: Tuija Kallio Network Coordinator, National CAP Network of Finland, tuija.kallio(a)maaseutu.fi