Innovation Market presented Finnish EIP-AGRI Operational Groups and provided complementary information to authorities

The Finnish Innovation Market was held for the fifth time, once again bringing together a diverse range of EIP-AGRI Operational Groups. This year, it served as the innovation hub for the KoneAgria agricultural fair, attracting journalists, farmers, advisors, and innovators. For the first time, Innovation Market also hosted walking tours for authorities. KoneAgria is a professional agricultural fair held in Tampere, Finland, which attracted nearly 16,000 visitors in October 2025.

12 Finnish EIP-AGRI Operational Groups on display – valuable contacts, visibility, and feedback

This year, the Innovation Market brought together a total of 23 different innovation projects and innovation support services. Twelve of these were EIP-AGRI Operational Groups, which presented their development work. Solutions are being developed extensively for primary production: for strawberry cultivation, there were an automatic pest monitoring system and a bug vacuum, which, like a vacuum cleaner, removes harmful pests from strawberries. Also, soilless garden cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) produced in high tunnels was introduced. In forestry, forest owners struggle with elk that eat tree seedlings. Therefore, there was a lot of interest in a drone that can be used to spread bio-based anti-eating agent to tree seedlings.

A digital application for mapping the health of farmland soils, an AI-assisted automated system for water management in potato crop rotation, and a portable device to predict optimal time for harvesting silage were among the presented technical solutions for agriculture. Both the Remote Digital Autopsy (RDA) service for cattle farms, and far-UVC and surface coating technologies improving indoor hygiene of animal production facilities support the livestock farms in animal health and welfare. In addition, operating models are being created for the cooperation and utilization of communal data of grain farms, the creation of energy-smart farms, and the promotion of domestic pollination services.

The Innovation Market provided the EIP-AGRI Operational Groups a place for reaching their key target groups, enhanced visibility, and new valuable contacts. Numerous constructive discussions were held with stakeholders who expressed strong interest in the developed solutions. New collaboration partners essential for the implementation of pilot activities were identified, and considerable attention was attracted to the stands by visitors eager to learn more.  Closer ties were fostered with fellow exhibitors, creating a supportive network for future cooperation. Immediate and notable media interest was generated, underscoring the relevance of the work.

Complementary information for authorities, particularly regarding precision agriculture

This year, walking tours aimed at authorities were organized for the first time, focusing on commercial precision farming solutions suitable for field cultivation. The aim of the walking tours was to increase the authorities’ knowledge and understanding of the differences between various technologies and their applicability to the Finnish CAP measures: 1) Environmental commitment actions to precision farming techniques, and 2) Investments to promote environment actions and sustainable production.

The walking tours provided concrete examples of solutions and their applicability in promoting sustainable arable farming to over 90 representatives of rural authorities in municipalities. The introduction of new technologies also supports the CAP objective of promoting digitalization, in addition to other environmental and farm-specific benefits. The walking tours were designed by farm advisor Olli-Pekka Ruponen, which hosted the walking tours in Finnish. Advisor Anders Wiksten (NSL Advisory Services) hosted the tour for Swedish speaking authorities.

The walking tours sparked discussion about the applicability of solutions to different farms and existing machinery and equipment. According to a Finnish study conducted in 2021, the newest tractor on farms is on average 12 years old, and other key arable farming equipment are generally older than that. Therefore, precision farming solutions must also be integrable with older, less intelligent equipment to be realistic options for farms.

What is the Innovation Market?

The Innovation Market is an annual joint exhibition area at the agricultural trade fair, bringing together EIP-AGRI Operational Groups, innovation projects, and innovation support services. This year, the Innovation Market was organized in collaboration with the Finnish Rural Network, AgriHubi (Finnish AKIS coordination body), and the CAP-funded Vertaistekno project. The concept is excellent for promoting the dissemination of information and innovation, and it has already spread to several other EU member states.

Exhibitors at the Innovation Market 2025:

  1. Should I incorporate my farm? (The Finnish Institute for Enterprise Management)
  2. Security of supply and resilience in the food system (Natural Resources Institute Finland)
  3. Preventing elk damage in seedling stands by utilizing drone technology and artificial intelligence (Finnish Forest Centre)
  4. An organo-mineral fertilizer made from poultry side stream (Häme University of Applied Sciences)
  5. Data field pioneers – Renewing grain trade with communal data (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences)
  6. VILSKE – Utilization of by-product of grain drying as material and energy (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences)
  7. Refinement of silage harvesting time (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences)
  8. BioBoosters by Jamk (Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences)
  9. Climate smart farm in South Ostrobothnia (Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences)
  10. Solar field – Combining sustainable crop production and energy production (Turku University of Applied Sciences)
  11. Bug vacuum and automated monitoring to improve pest control on strawberry production (Natural Resources Institute Finland)
  12. Cranberry Innovation – Soilless production of cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) in a high tunnel (University of Helsinki)
  13. Pollination by honeybees as part of security of supply (Finnish Beekeepers’ Association)
  14. Towards self-sufficiency of native bumblebees in Finland (Iku-Tarvas Oy)
  15. Optimizing water usage in food potato crop rotation through AI and automation (Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences)
  16. Increasing the reliability and quantity of rapeseed and turnip rape cultivation (Pyhäjärvi Institute)
  17. Smart, profitable, and responsible pig value chain (Pyhäjärvi Institute)
  18. New plant protection methods for vegetables (Pyhäjärvi Institute)
  19. Carbon Action (Baltic Sea Action Group)
  20. EIP Fieldmap – Mapping the health of farmland soils (Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences)
  21. Remote Digital Autopsy as a local service for cattle farms – A new Finnish RDA operational model for diagnostic services (University of Helsinki)
  22. ERISTEK: Enhancing animal disease risk management with new technologies (Lilja C Oy)

Better understanding on strengths and weaknesses of different farm health and safety practices across Europe

The SafeHabitus project hosted the 3rd SafeHabitus Summer School in June 2025 in Krakow, Poland. The project is empowering farmers and farm workers to work safely and effectively across Europe.

The three-day event served as a collaborative platform for all SafeHabitus project partners and Communities of Practice to foster the exchange innovative ideas, and to learn from each other and other international stakeholders. A significant highlight of this year’s edition was the SafeHabitus and International Social Security Association (ISSA) Joint Colloquium on “The Prevention’s Role in Advancing Social Sustainability in Agriculture”.

This two-day colloquium gathered international stakeholders, including occupational safety and health (OSH) experts, researchers, and national institutions. These dialogues explored comprehensive preventive strategies vital for the occupational, economic, and social well-being in farming, with a strong emphasis on critical aspects of physical and mental health support for farmers and farm workers.

“Prevention is the foundation of sustainable agriculture,” said Dr David Meredith, SafeHabitus Project Leader, during the opening panel. “Through our research, we see that national and EU incentives enabling farmers to invest in safer equipment and facilities don’t just prevent injuries and fatalities – they make farming more attractive to the next generation. SafeHabitus demonstrates how targeted prevention strategies can transform both safety outcomes and the future of agricultural communities.”

Furthermore, the Summer School hosted the Transnational Communities of Practice (CoP) meeting. The 11 SafeHabitus CoPs engaged in collaborative workshops, identifying and mapping good practices crucial to the project’s core objectives: physical and mental health, machinery safety, livestock farm safety, and the common well-being of all farmers and farm workers. The outcomes of the workshops will directly inform the development of a research tool supporting the development of good practices in farm safety and health across the sector.

Dr Jarkko Leppälä, Transnational Community of Practice Leader, explained the importance of cooperation for improving farm health and safety across the project countries: “In the SafeHabitus project, we identified similar farm occupational safety and health (OSH) challenges across CoP countries. Key issues include managing major safety risks, safe tractor use, addressing psychosocial risks, understanding animal behaviour, and proper PPE use. While policies, working conditions and safety culture vary across countries the project aims to identify common solutions taking into account each country’s priority needs.”

Transnational Community of Practice workshop organizers, Research Scientist Titta Tapiola and Tiina Mattila from Luke, told that Safehabitus has succeeded to create an exceptionally warm team spirit among partners which led into in-depth discussions and analysis of experiences and good practices from different countries. The Finnish Team came back with new ideas and better understanding on strengths and weaknesses of different farm health and safety practices across Europe.

Media contact: – Jarkko.leppala@luke.fi

More information:

About the Joint Colloqium:

The event is organised by the International Section of the ISSA on Prevention in Agriculture, in cooperation with SafeHabitus, Agricultural University in Krakow, Poland, Kasa Rolniczego Ubezpieczenia Społecznego (KRUS), Państwowa Inspekcja Pracy (PIP), and the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB).

About SafeHabitus:

SafeHabitus project is a four-year project coordinated by TEAGASC Ireland, funded by the European Union as part of the Horizon Europe Programme, grant agreement number 101084270. This multi-actor project aims to strengthen Farm Health and Safety Knowledge Innovation Systems (FHS KIS) and support the EU transition to social sustainability in farming.

Call for Applications: Innovation Market at KoneAgria 2025 – Secure your spot in the pre-marketing campaign!

The Innovation Market is back! Showcase your innovation in agriculture, forestry or horticulture at the KoneAgria trade fair held between 9 and 11 October 2025 and take advantage of the pre-marketing visibility. Over the years, the Innovation Market has become a well-known joint exhibition stand, bringing together the most innovative players and the latest solutions in the field. This is your opportunity to reach professionals and innovators in the sector all in one place. Apply by 7 August 2025!

Why participate?

  • Gain visibility for your innovation and project development.
  • Network with industry experts and discover new partners.
  • Get fresh perspectives and feedback from end users.
  • Join forces in communication and other arrangements as part of a shared stand

Who can apply?

We are looking for participants such as:

  • EIP (European Innovation Partnership) projects
  • Innovation and technology projects in agriculture, forestry or horticulture
  • Activities that are innovative or support the creation of innovations

Are you an international player? Great! If your solution fits the Finnish operating environment, we encourage you to apply.

How to apply

Complete the application form as soon as possible! Early applicants benefit from our pre-marketing campaign, with the opportunity to have their materials featured in national communication channels.

If your innovation is suitable for practical testing during the summer, you may also be matched with a test user between May and September.

Sign up to learn more about the content and schedule of the Innovation Market!

Link to the application form.

Organisers and schedule

The 2025 Innovation Market will be organised by the Rural Network Unit, AgriHub and Työtehoseura. The call is open until 7 August 2025, and selections are made monthly to ensure early applicants can benefit from the pre-marketing opportunities.

In August–September, the Rural Network will design the stand’s layout and visual identity, and participants can contribute to the content of their own booth. Participation is free of charge, but exhibitors are responsible for their travel, accommodation and promotional materials.

Selected participants will be invited to regular joint meetings in the autumn to connect and prepare together.

Secure your spot now and let your innovation shine at the Innovation Market!

Link to the application form.

Additional information:

Tuija Kallio, Network Coordinator, tuija.kallio(a)maaseutu.fi, tel. +358 50 594 7993

New Sports Drink from Natural Berries – Astonishing Invention Wins Innovation Competition 

IsoDrop is a drink developed by former athletes, made from natural products for effective body hydration. The “Local and Functional” EIP-AGRI Operational Group, which developed the drink, was awarded at the AgriVenture Finland event in Saarijärvi on 28 May. The competition final featured seven agricultural innovations from around the Baltic Sea region. 

The “Local and Functional” EIP-AGRI Operational Group from Poland impressed the international jury with its solution, offering the first completely natural option in the sports drink variety. The drink’s recipe is scientifically proven to be isotonic, meaning it matches the body’s own salt and sugar balance and helps effectively restore fluid balance. 

In addition to the hydrating isotonic drink, the project has developed a mobile processing unit. The processing unit can be moved to any farm that produces berries and fruits for the drinks. The drink is produced directly on the farms, so the end product can be transported directly from the farms to the consumer. 

“The solution is particularly ingenious because the processing unit is mobile, and it can be transported where the raw materials are – this makes the operating model exceptionally efficient. The company has two clear development directions: an isotonic drink for consumers and a mobile processing unit. Their story is inspiring, and the product is ready for the market. They have clearly created a completely new product from the perspective of wellness trends,” assessed the competition jury. 

“The pitching competition was a great experience! The next step is to go even faster and straight to the market. So that is the next move to us! We got also good advice during this competition, and we are going to really listen to them,” said the winner Karol Jaworski. 

International Competition Highlights Agricultural Innovation Gems 

The Finnish Rural Network organized an innovation project pitching competition as part of the AgriVenture Finland event in Saarijärvi on May 27-28, 2025. AgriVenture Finland is the largest agricultural and food technology innovation and investor event in the Nordic countries, bringing together key industry influencers. 

The competition final featured seven EIP projects (European Innovation Partnership) from three different countries. A total of 19 applications were received from six different countries (Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden, Finland, and Estonia). An international expert panel evaluated the applications and selected eight EIP projects to advance in the pitching competition. 

The competition winner was awarded a €2,500 cash prize, donated by the Marjatta and Eino Kolli Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to support scientific research and development work. 

“EIP-AGRI Operational Groups can lead to new cultivation methods, resource-wise food production, or technological solutions – innovations that promote sustainable agriculture and a healthier environment for future generations,” says Kolli Foundation’s secretary, financial advisor Esko Kolli. 

For more information: 

Tuija Kallio, Network Coordinator
tuija.kallio(a)maaseutu.fi, tel. +358 50 594 7993 

EIP-AGRI pitching competition event page (in English)

Agricultural innovations around the Baltic Sea compete at AgriVenture Finland

The Finnish Rural Network is organizing a pitching competition for agricultural innovations as part of AgriVenture Finland in Saarijärvi on 27-28 May 2025. Eight EIP-AGRI Operational Groups from four different countries will be represented.   

In February, the Finnish Rural Network launched a call for applications for the international pitching competition for EIP-AGRI Operational Groups in the Baltic Sea Region. A total of 19 applications were received from six countries (Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden).    

The applications were evaluated by an international panel of experts and eight EIP-AGRI Operational Groups were shortlisted for the pitching competition.   

The shortlisted EIP-AGRI Operational Groups are:   

  • Agrowe App – digital platform enhancing farm management (POLAND)   
  • Development of a Robotic Weed Control System (LATVIA) (cancelled their participation in the finals)   
  • Locally and functionally. Production of innovative functional juice products produced directly on farms, immediately after harvest (POLAND)  
  • Satagro – digital platform utilizing satellite data to optimize fertilization and irrigation (POLAND)  
  • Smart drinking bowl – monitoring water consumption of horses and cattle (FINLAND)  
  • Smart grain dryers – technology utilizing remote control and a machine learning model to optimize the drying process (ESTONIA) 
  • Wisecow – precision health monitoring system and farm management for cattle farms (ESTONIA)   
  • Wood2Biogas – state-of-art technology converting wood waste into biochar and clean syngas (FINLAND) 

The jury assessed the applications based on the following evaluation criteria: the project has produced a definable output with scaling potential, the output is impressive and innovate and has the potential for wider use in the near future. There is a team capable of taking the output forward.   

– Based on the applications submitted to this EIP-AGRI pitching competition there is a wide variety of projects at different development levels. It will be interesting to see the results from these projects. A pitching competition is a good opportunity for innovators to gain experience in presenting and driving innovations. A competition may also provide innovators with new connections and new perspectives that can benefit the development of an innovative idea, comments a member of the expert panel Arne Bergh, Business Development Unit, Swedish Board of Agriculture. 

In April-May, the selected EIP-AGRI Operational Groups will have the opportunity to prepare for the pitching competition in training sessions organized jointly by the state-owned sustainable development company Motiva and the Finnish Rural Network.   

The competition will culminate in the AgriVenture Finland event on 27-28 May 2025 in Saarijärvi, Central Finland, where the selected EIP-AGRI Operational Groups will pitch their solutions to the public and the jury. The winner of the competition will be awarded at the event.   

Are you interested in hearing the EIP-AGRI Operational Groups’ pitches live? Register for AgriVenture Finland. AgriVenture Finland is the largest innovation and investor event in the Nordic-Baltic countries for agriculture and food technology, bringing together key players in the field.  

What are EIP-AGRI Operational Groups? 

An EIP-AGRI Operational Group is a group of people with complementary knowledge (e.g. practical, scientific, technical, organisational expertise, etc.) who co-create practical solutions for agriculture, forestry and rural communities in an innovation project. Throughout EU, the current Common Agricultural Policy (2023-2027) provides opportunities for preparing and implementing Operational Group projects via national CAP Strategic Plans. In the period 2014-2022, Operational Groups were funded through Rural Development Programmes. 

More information about the competition: 

Network coordinator Tuija Kallio, tuija.kallio(a)maaseutu.fi, +358 50 594 7993 

Visit the event website.

Call for the BioBoosters Accelerator Programme is open – Apply now!

The application period for the Accelerator Program 2025 is open until 31 March, 2025. Submit your startup now!

BioBoosters by Jamk Business Accelerator is launching together with partners Valtra, AGCO Power, Neste, Lantmännen and Innovestor, a call for startups to the sustainable food and smart farming accelerator programme. The programme kicks off in August 20-21, 2025, and the duration of the accelerator programme is three months.

The BioBoosters Accelerator Programme connects agritech and bioeconomy startups and growth companies with leading corporations, investors, experienced mentors, potential customers, and end users who are ready to support the innovations promoted in the accelerator.  

The call is especially for startups focused on:

✅ Smart Farming solutions
✅ Future energy sources and powertrain solutions for agricultural machinery and farming equipment
✅ Emission calculation and ESG reporting in food value chain 

How to apply?

Please fill in your application by March 31, 2025. Applications are reviewed on an on-going basis, so submit your application as soon as possible!

Participation in the accelerator programme is free-of-charge and equity-free for the startups. The duration of the accelerator programme is three months, the language is English, and participation is possible both virtually and on-site, so you can join from anywhere in the world!

In addition to your company’s basic information prepare to describe shortly your product or service, stage at commercialization process, team competence, and motivation to join the programme. You are also requested to attach your company pitch deck to the application form. 

Apply now

European Network of Agroecology Living Labs and Research Infrastructures: the 1st wave of applications is NOW OPEN

Do you operate a living lab (LL) or a research infrastructure (RI) that is actively contributing to the agroecology transition? Are you interested in connecting with similar initiatives to learn, grow, gain visibility, or cooperate?

The European Network of Agroecology LLs and RIs (the Network) connects participatory place-based innovations for enhancing knowledge sharing and for supporting multi-stakeholder co-creation of agroecology innovations across various scales in Europe. The membership provides the members a comprehensive suite of benefits dedicated to advancing open innovation and agroecology transition, such as:

  • 🤝extensive networking (connection to various agri-food stakeholders and building relationships),
  • 📚knowledge exchange, learning, information and data sharing between agroecology LLs and RIs,
  • 🔬cooperation to develop and realise international research projects,
  • 🌱diverse co-creation processes that create opportunity to improve agroecology practices and internal processes, and
  • ✨increased visibility on an international scale.

❗Applications during the 1st wave can be submitted by 28 February 2025 by completing this online application form.

The aim of the survey is to identify and describe in detail already existing agroecology LLs and RIs across Europe interested in becoming members of the Network. This application survey should be completed by the representative of the applicant initiative (LL/RI). Applicants need to provide answers to questions designed to gather detailed information on their initiatives broken down into five main areas: Identity details, Activities, Objectives, Governance and Values. Applicants will be notified of the evaluation results by 15 April.

📅 Timeline of the application

For more information, please visit the application and criteria guideline document which explains the application process, eligibility, benefits of membership and the inclusion criteria. In addition, it is recommended to review the PDF version of the full questionnaire before completing the online form in order to adequately prepare for the application. The online form takes approx. 30 minutes to complete. 

PDF version of the application form

Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact the Network Coordination!

Contact us!

The Innovation Market brought together the latest innovations in agriculture for the Agricultural Machinery Fair

Organized for the fourth time, the Innovation Market once again brought together the latest innovations in agriculture and the fair attendees interested in them. Held as part of the Helsinki Agricultural Machinery Fair, this year’s event featured over 20 innovation projects and many organizations focused on advancing agricultural innovations.

The latest innovations in agriculture were comprehensively showcased at the Helsinki Agricultural Machinery Fair. At the Innovation Market, attendees could explore both promising project ideas on the verge of commercialization and fully developed products and services. The theme of innovation was also evident in the stage program and during expert-led walking tours.

Innovation Market at the Exhibition Center

The Innovation Market showcased over 20 innovation projects. This year, the European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects developed with rural financing were highlighted at the fair, featuring ten Finnish EIP innovation projects. Notable innovations included an automatic UVC irradiation device designed to combat strawberry plant diseases, a VR learning environment, Datasato, and a model for integrating data from the Älysikala project. For the first time, the Innovation Market also included international project participants, featuring Estonian EIP projects such as Wisecow, AI&Robotics Estonia, BeefEST, Authentic Honey, and Grain Dryer Digitalisation, along with international Horisontti- projects.

AI&Robotics Estonia
Estonian innovation project BeefEST

On the market, visitors could also get acquainted with other innovative projects, and a large number of startup companies in this field could be found nearby. In addition, other innovation players in the sector, such as AgriHubi, the Baltic Sea Action Group, and the Hiilestä kiinni- an impact accelerator project, also were present. The Innovation Market gathered a record 26 different exhibitors this year.

“The feedback has been positive from both the companies and the exhibitors at the Innovation Market. Visitors expressed interest in the innovations presented, and valuable connections were made between farmers and developers at the fair. Additionally, international participants have reported satisfaction with their involvement, stating that they gained useful new contacts and increased visibility,” says Tuija Kallio, network coordinator at the Rural Network.

Data, energy solutions, climate insights and innovation successes

At the Innovation Market, international and Finnish experts demonstrated how data can enhance the profitability of farming companies. For instance, weather and soil information, along with water and energy optimization, aids in decision-making and marketing strategies. The Datalive panel also addressed the impact of the data economy and cyber threats facing agriculture. Panel presenters included Hannu Haapala from JAMK, Liisa Pesonen from Luke, and Timo Teinilä from HAMK. Additionally, one of the speakers at the Innovation Market was Alfiya Kayumova, the founder and CEO of the Latvian startup Green Growth, who provided farmers with valuable insights on crop monitoring.

The program also addressed themes related to farm energy, including renewable energy sources and the application of machine learning in grain drying. Furthermore, the discussion covered the role of field robots in agriculture, focusing on their autonomous capabilities and potential applications in Finland.

At the Innovation Market, insights from climate and environmental projects were presented, highlighting the importance of sustainable agriculture. Key factors for environmental protection and the efficient use of natural resources included smart irrigation methods, the benefits of circular economy initiatives, and the significance of bee pollination. The audience also learned about opportunities to participate in municipal carbon neutrality efforts, the overall sustainability of using curd moss, and the vital role of bee pollination.

As part of the program, FinAgEng – Maaseudun Teknologiayhdistys ry awarded prizes for the best theses from universities and universities of applied sciences in the field of Agrotechnology at the Innovation Market. The aim was to highlight the importance of membership in the development of the food chain and to inspire students to engage in technological research. This year, two theses from universities of applied sciences, completed in 2023, were awarded. The scholarships, worth five hundred euros each, are sponsored by Koneviesti.

FinAgEng: Maaseudun teknologiayhdistys ry

Päivi Hänninen and Maija Kinnunen received a scholarship for their thesis from Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences titled “Cybersecurity on Automatic Milking Farms: Cybersecurity as Part of the Farm’s Operating Culture.” Roope Svensk received a scholarship for his thesis from Savonia University of Applied Sciences, titled “Application for Non-Renewable Energy: Risks for the Green Transition of Farms.” In awarding the scholarships, the evaluation criteria included the relevance of the topics, their significance in Finland, novelty, quality, and the functionality of the learning materials. The awardees were invited to become members of FinAgEng and were granted a three-year exemption from membership fees.

Scholarship awardees

The Agricultural Machinery Fair was held at the Helsinki Exhibition Center from October 17th to 19th, 2024. The event brought together Finnish agricultural and forestry producers, as well as enthusiasts of rural life, creating a unique opportunity for networking and collaboration. A total of 100 partners contributed to the program, attracting 18,768 visitors over the course of three days.

The Rural Network Unit organized the Innovation Market in collaboration with AgriHubi, Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences’ BioBoosters business accelerator, and the Finnish Future Farm project.

AgriHubi is involved in networking

AgriHubi’s website will later publish blog posts about the interviews conducted at Innovation Market.

You can find more information about the Maatalouskone fair at: https://maatalouskone.messukeskus.com/

You can find Metsa Mann’s YouTube video about the innovation project BIOSIVU – products from side streams of oil hemp for low-carbon construction on the website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdRg52eyeaA

Upcoming events and webinars can be found on the Maaseutuverkosto and Agrihubi website: https://maaseutuverkosto.fi/verkostoidu/tapahtumat/

Ensure the authenticity of your honey by ordering a DNA metagenomic analysis

At the Innovation Fair, which took place during the Helsinki Agricultural Machinery Fair in autumn 2024, one of the featured projects was the Estonian initiative “Authentic Honey Meets DNA Technology.” Kairi Raime, Head of the Food Metagenomics Lab and representative of the research company Celvia CC AS (Competence Centre on Health Technologies), gave an insightful interview about the project, its development and the challenges faced by beekeepers.

Beekeepers were struggling with issues related to honey adulteration, which significantly impacted their ability to sell genuine products. Recognizing this issue, Celvia CC, with its expertise in DNA-based methods, joined forces with Muhe Mesi company to find a solution. Together, they launched the project in July 2020 to develop DNA-based methods to identify the biological composition, origin, and authenticity of honey. The methodology behind the honey DNA test has been crafted with the support of the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and the “Estonian Rural Development Plan 2014-2020.”

DNA Metagenomic Analysis at the Innovation Fair

The project concluded in 2023 with the creation of a ready-to-use service, the honey DNA metagenomic analysis. Information about the service, including sample reports and details on how beekeepers, distributors, and others can benefit from the analysis, is available on the mda-test.com website. The MDA test can be ordered by a private person, a self-employed person, a nonprofit association, or a company, offering a reliable way to verify honey’s biological composition, origin, and authenticity.

The innovation of their methods lies in analyzing the ancient DNA found in honey. Honey contains DNA from a variety of sources, including plants, insects, animals, bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Rather than focusing on any specific organisms, they analyze all the DNA present in the honey. From a single honey sample, they can obtain 10 to 20 million DNA sequences. These sequences are then analyzed to create a comprehensive honey DNA profile, which identifies all species that contributed DNA to the honey, as well as the relative proportions of each species.

Kairi explained that honey DNA profile is like a fingerprint- unique to every honey sample. It details the environment where the honey, nectar, or pollen was collected, the insects that visited the flowers, and the overall conditions of the hive and honey production. This profile provides valuable insights into the origins and authenticity of the honey.

Today, a significant challenge in the honey market is fake honey, which is sold at lower prices and competes with genuine honey, making it difficult for beekeepers to sell their authentic products. According to Kairi, recent reports indicate that up to 80% of honey in the market may be fake, particularly imported honey. The aim of this project is to help eliminate fake honey from the market by providing a tool for distributors and beekeepers. This tool can also detect DNA traces from honeybee-related pathogens and parasites in honey, as well as details about the overall health of the honey sample. Distributors and beekeepers can use this information to showcase the botanical composition of their honey on their websites.

The Estonian company has selected 20 different honeybee-related pathogens and parasites to monitor, as advised by beekeepers. These include bacteria causing significant honeybee diseases, such as American and European foulbrood, and microsporidia. It also feasible to monitor if invasive species, like the small hive beetle, are present in honey samples from countries where they are not currently established. This information is vital for early detection and prevention of potential threats to local beekeeping.

Overall, their DNA technology methods provide valuable insights into honey composition and quality, allowing beekeepers to take preventive measures and maintain the integrity of their products.

Are you a beekeeper looking to protect your honey’s authenticity? Or a distributor seeking to enhance your product offerings? Don’t wait until it’s too late! Visit mda-test.com today to explore how honey DNA metagenomic analysis can empower you to keep honey pure and stand out in a crowded market.

Join the movement toward transparency and quality in the honey industry!

Digital cow feeding, farm energy intelligence, Estonian know-how – amazing ideas at the Innovation Market at the Finnish Agricultural Machinery Fair

Do cows use implants? The answer to this question can be found at the Innovation Market (Booth Id5) at the Agricultural Machinery Fair in Helsinki, where 20+ domestic and foreign agricultural innovations will be showcased.

VR glasses


– Finnish agriculture is up-to-date and modern. Innovations are constantly being developed in agriculture to create new sources of income and ways to improve profitability,” says Tuija Kallio, Network Coordinator of the Finnish Rural Network.

The Innovation Market includes both promising project ideas on the verge of commercialisation and already existing products and services. This time, the joint exhibition area will highlight the results of EIP Operational Groups developed with rural development funding from both Finland and Estonia. Other innovation projects will also be on display and several start-ups will be located next to the stand. 

Be amazed by innovation

An energy-smart farm capable of being self-sufficient in electricity and heat is being developed in Western Finland: an innovation can use fresh wood chips on a farm scale and produce electricity in addition to heat. The project will add to this the ability to store electricity and will also explore the potential for on-farm carbon dioxide capture.

The Smart pig farm Operational Group aims at monitoring pigs over their lifetime. This will provide a new level of insight into factors affecting piglet health, the need for medication and growth. The vision is a smart pig farm of the future, seeking competitiveness throughout the production chain.

The Innovation Market will also see the new arrival of pollination services: native honey bees and bumblebees have been harnessed to pollinate greenhouses and growing tunnels. Pollination can be used to ensure crop yields and improve crop quality.

In addition to these and other domestic projects, five Estonian EIP Operational Groups will be showcased at the fourth edition of the Innovation Market. 

– Estonia’s Wisecow project should provide an answer to the cow implant question, as it is developing a new way of collecting data on cow welfare, reveals Kallio.

Clearing new fields with data 

On each day of the fair, the Innovation Market stage will provide current topics in agriculture. Speakers will discuss topics such as increasing profitability through the use of spatial data, cyber threats to agriculture and clearing new fields with data.

The main stage of the fair will also feature themes from the Innovation Market, such as cybersecurity threats in a digitalising agriculture. The walking tours through the fair will visit innovation sites selected by experts.

The Innovation Market is organised by the Finnish Rural Network, AgriHubi Farmer’s competence network, and the BioBoosters business accelerator and the Finnish Future Farm project of Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences.

Exhibitors at the Innovation Market

  1. BIOSIVU – From hemp by-products to low-carbon building products EIP Operational Group
  2. DataYield – Agile data management from farming machines and services to new business EIP Operational Group
  3. FarmEnergy – rural energy communities EIP Operational Group 
  4. Domestic pollinators for commercial gardens EIP Operational Group
  5. Contingency plan for water management on Söderfjärden EIP Operational Group
  6. Producing a virtual reality learning environment on cattle health and welfare EIP Operational Group
  7. Smart pig farm –combining data EIP Operational Group
  8. Climate smart farm in South Ostrobothnia EIP Operational Group
  9. UVC technology for control of strawberry diseases EIP Operational Group
  10. Cybernetics in dairy cow feed optimization EIP Operational Group
  11. Carbon Action and their new innovations (Baltic Sea Action Group)
  12. Life Cycle Analysis for Farms; Ecosystem services in biodiversity; Smart irrigation methods – Pyhäjärvi Institute
  13. TREASoURcE Horizon project, MTK (Finnish Farmers’ Union)
  14. Catch the Carbon Impact Accelerator (research programme and its accelerator programme funded by Ministry of Agriculture)
  15. Farm Business and Leadership Growth Programme (Finnish Institute for Enterprise Management)
  16. Finnish Future Farm; BioBoosters programme; FarmGuard (strengthen farms’ ability to prepare for cyber threats); Data Farm (cluster of excellence on data); Data field pioneers – renewing grain trade with communal data EIP Operational Group – Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences
  17. Authentic honey meets DNA technology, Competence Centre on Health Technologies, Estonia
  18. Wisecow EIP Operational Group, Estonian Dairy Cluster, Estonia
  19. beefEST EIP Operational Group, Estonian Dairy Cluster, Estonia
  20. WheatWatcher Horizon project, MTÜ Põllukultuuride klaster, Estonia
  21. Grain Dryer digitalisation EIP Operational Group, MTÜ Põllukultuuride klaster, Estonia
  22. EU FarmBook Horizon project
  23. PREMIERE Horizon project
  24. AgriHubi-Farmer’s competence network (Finland)
  25. Finnish rural network 
  26. EU CAP Network

More information about the fair: https://maatalouskone.messukeskus.com/en/

More information on Finnish EIP Operational Groups: https://maaseutuverkosto.fi/en/eip-operational-group-activities-in-finland/ 

More information on the Innovation Market

Tuija Kallio, Network Coordinator of the Rural Network Unit, tel +358 295 204 630 tuija.kallio(a)maaseutu.fi 

BioBoosters business accelerator and Finnish Future Farm project of Jyväskylä University of Applied Sciences:

Senior Researcher Hannu Haapala, +358 50 597 7845,
Senior Expert Annimari Lehtomäki, +358 50 464 2563
Expert Jyrki Kataja +358 40 566 1034 

firstname.lastname@jamk.fi