COUNCIL OF OULU REGION

Providing support, coordination, and regional financing for agri-food initiatives.

EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region Policy Area Tourism
Coordinating the Policy Area Tourism in cooperation with Pomorskie Region, Poland

The region actively participates in international networks and partnerships, including:

ERIAFF (European Regions for Innovation in Agriculture, Food, and Forestry) – fostering collaboration and innovation in agriculture, food production, and forestry.

EU Smart Specialisation Platform for Agri-Food, with involvement in:
Traceability and Big Data – enhancing transparency and digital innovation in food supply chains.
High Tech Farming – promoting advanced technologies for sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

 
OULU UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
 
Introduction:

Oulu University of Applied Sciences (Oamk) is a multidisciplinary and international higher education community of 10,000 students and approximately 500 employees. Our close cooperation with companies and communities creates the basis for our students’ high-level and up-to-date competence. The cornerstones of our operations are transparency, sustainability and effectiveness. The focus areas of our research, development and innovation activities are low-carbon initiatives, digital solutions and business development.
 
The key objectives are to strengthen the development of food systems and networks in Northern Ostrobothnia, Finland, as well as profitable and competitive agriculture utilizing new technologies, and to promote the region’s food production preparedness and adaptation to climate change. Agriculture and forestry are strongly intertwined, therefore the development of forestry insofar as it is connected to food production ecosystems. Development activities are based on strengthening the principles and profitability of the bio- and circular economy as part of rural entrepreneurship.
 
Project ideas – looking for partners:

“Herbs4Life” is a collaborative initiative focused on promoting innovative and sustainable cultivation of herbs, spices, and medicinal plants. Through research, pilot projects, and educational efforts, we aim to strengthen cross-border knowledge-sharing and foster partnerships between research institutions, businesses, and local communities. We are looking for partners interested in sustainable herb cultivation, ecological farming, and cross-border innovation to join us in impactful pilot projects and knowledge exchange.

Contact: Natalia Sergina-Kishlar.

“FoodSecurity”: We are interested in collaboration (role as a partner) on strengthening the role of the cities and regions and rethinking contribution of business: local food production as part of food security and strengthening of local trade, pilot cases and knowledge transportation from country to country. Agricultural side streams as part of new food innovations and food chains – enhancement of biocircular economy in sparsely populated areas and empowering the shift from linear to circular resource use. Providing support services and case examples of new innovations and utilisation of circular economy principles in products and services or business ecosystems for business sector – utilisation of digital solutions to enhance the transition towards circular economy in agricultural sector.

Contact: Natalia Sergina-Kishlar or Sanna Tyni.

PROAGRIA NORTHERN FINLAND

ProAgria Northern Finland is part of the nationwide advisory organisation ProAgria, which has 107,000 members and 650 employees. ProAgria’s project portfolio covers 150-200 local and international projects yearly. We have provided an extensive network of specialists and a wide range of service targeted at rural
enterprices for over 200 years. We work together with Oulu Rural Women’s Advisory Organisation and Oulu Fishery Centre.

Significant benefit from our wide range of networks

As an expert organisation, it is important for us to establish local, regional, national and international networks. For us this means a variety of cooperation activities, interesting partners, as well as new perspectives and experience.

Experience and strenghts in projects:

enhancing competitiveness of our clients bringing out new innovations, developing the rural environment
close access to farmers and agro-industries, providing a valuable resource for multi-stakeholder initiatives
representing the Northern European perspective in international projects

Key expertise areas:

rural entrepreneurship
dairy farming and animal husbandry
crops and vegetables
environment, water systems, bioeconomy
sustainable and responsible food chain from farm to fork

Read more: Proagria.fi/en

OULU CULTURE FOUNDATION

Arctic Food Lab in Oulu2026

Part of the European Capital of Culture program, highlighting the northern food culture.
Showcasing local, sustainable, and innovative food production.
Strengthening food identity and promoting Arctic gastronomy.

Pure Ingredients & Sustainability

Locally sourced, high-quality ingredients from Arctic nature.
Sustainable and responsible food production practices.

Collaboration & Innovation

Open for international cooperation in food production, research, and food tourism.
Connecting producers, chefs, and researchers to create new opportunities.
Encouraging food exports and cross-sectoral partnerships.

Experience Arctic Flavors

Unique gastronomic experiences based on northern ingredients.
Events, tastings, and storytelling through food.
Strengthening local and global awareness of Arctic cuisine.

READ MORE: ARCTICFOODLAB.fi/EN