FOOD FROM THE WORLD'S NORTHERNMOST AGRICULTURAL COUNTRY

Arctic food is unique because it’s produced in the world's northernmost agricultural country, north of 60 degrees latitude.

Success-makers / factors in Finnish Arctic Food

• clean water
• clean land
• clean air
• long cold winter
• short, cool and bright summer
• production animals that are well cared for
• skills and know-how in food production

Arctic Food Values

• integrity
• uniqueness
• trustworthiness
• recognisability

Food that survives Arctic conditions to end up on your plate is full of life, purity and flavour. Finland has the world's most abundant water resources at its disposal. We can use clean, fresh water without limitations for watering plants, for our animals to drink, for food production as well for cleaning production spaces, equipment and even our hands. Making smart use of water in food production and hygiene comes naturally to us.

When the land freezes, it's actually advantageous for farming; the freeze alters the land and improves plants' access to water.

The cold winter with its freezing temperatures reduces the amount of plant diseases and other pests. That's why in Finland we use less plant protecting agents and pesticides than in many other countries. When the land freezes, it's actually advantageous for farming; the freeze alters the land, improves plants' access to water and prevents compaction in the land. The deep freeze of winter is also advantageous when storing grain because cooling storage spaces requires less energy than it would in warmer climates.

Short but intensive growing season in summer

The brightness of the short Nordic summer has an important effect on natural and farmed plants. There is no other place on earth where grain is farmed where the day is as long as it is in Finland during the growing season. The longer the day, the faster the development of the grain. The clean air also affects the purity of Finnish food. There is only a small number of particles in the air in Finland because there are very few people and little industry in relation to the land area of the country.

Antibiotics are only given to sick animals under a veterinarian's orders.

Production animals are cared for in the best manner possible. The use of hormones for the advancement of animal growth is banned and antibiotics are only given to sick animals under a veterinarian's orders. Pigs have tails, which is indicative of their good living conditions. There is no salmonella because the hygiene of the animals, workers and production spaces is controlled. All Finnish cows have a name, which is indicative of their individualised care. Finland is at the top in animal care measured by several different indicators.

Finns make use of their natural conditions and environment

Over time, people in Finland have come to learn to get by with four, or even eight seasons. We make use of our natural conditions and environment, but take care of them to ensure good conditions for production for future generations. Practical know-how, good education and high-level research at all levels of the food supply chain produce results.

In Finland the legislation is partly even stricter than the basic EU level and industry actors are in many ways collectively committed to good practices.

The Finnish food supply chain keeps its promises. It’s an indivisible part of the Nordic, corruption-free culture. Our legislation is partly even stricter than the basic EU level and industry actors are in many ways collectively committed to good practices that go above and beyond regulations. This way, we strengthen our honest methods, openness and traceability.

Arctic food means flavourful food that is produced in accordance with high quality standards. You know what you're eating when you eat Arctic food.