JAMK Spearheads the Future of Smart Agriculture with a €3.5 Million Project

JAMK University of Applied Sciences is leading the charge to revolutionize modern agriculture. With an impressive grant of nearly €3 million from the EU's Just Transition Fund (JTF), the Finnish Future Farm project is set to transform the agricultural landscape of Northern Central Finland.

Situated in the Bioeconomy Campus in Tarvaala, Saarijärvi, the initiative aims to establish an innovative co-creation environment. With a total project fund of approximately €3.5 million, JAMK partners with the Northern Central Finland Vocational Institute and is supported by industry giants like Valtra, AGCO Power, Neste, and the City of Saarijärvi.

The Finnish Future Farm project is poised to fill this void by fostering a space where solutions that diminish CO2 emissions and enhance economic viability take centre stage. Leveraging state-of-the-art solutions, the project will harness 100% waste and residue-based products from Neste. The overarching aim is to galvanize innovation and collaboration in the realm of smart agriculture.

Minna Lappalainen, Director of the Jamk Institute of Bioeconomy, emphasizes the unprecedented nature of this ecosystem in Finland. With the financial boost from the grant, there's a golden opportunity to bolster sustainable and profitable food production.

Jarno Ratia, from AGCO Power Oy, underscores the project's intent to enhance agricultural education and research infrastructure. The vision also encompasses the growth of stakeholder partnerships. Joni Pihlström of Neste Finland sees the vast potential agriculture holds for emission reductions and hopes the project can unlock this potential.

Receiving funds from the EU's Renewing and Competent Finland 2021–2027 and the Just Transition Fund (JTF), the project has earned the Regional Council of Central Finland's endorsement. Recognizing its business-driven approach and novelty, the council believes the project aligns with Central Finland's regional transition plan objectives.

In a nutshell, the Finnish Future Farm project heralds a new era in sustainable farming, paving the way for eco-friendly, technologically advanced agricultural practices in Finland and beyond.