Food Research and Innovation Strategy for Finland 2021-2035

The global food system is facing unprecedented challenges. Population growth, climate change, biodiversity loss and unsustainable food production methods are issues that need to be addressed through food research and innovation. Finland has the opportunity to take a pioneering role in the transition towards a healthy and sustainable global food system, and at the same time, benefit from the economic growth opportunities that will emerge during the changes. The future will be based on systematic research, genuine collaboration and new innovations.

Finland’s food research missions for 2035:

1. Healthy, safe, and sustainable diets are viable for all in Finland.
2. Food and feed production in Finland is sustainable, competitive, and resilient.
3. Resource efficiency and zero waste are key determinants in the Finnish food system.
4. Finland is a forerunner and leading testbed for sustainable food system research and innovations.

The strategic plans include pathways and implementation steps for changes towards a healthy and sustainable food system, which leads to the well-being of society, economic growth, and offers growth opportunities for Finnish food producers and the food industry that are based on scientific knowledge and food innovations. Strategy highlights the need to better combine the expertise of different scientific disciplines and to intensify cooperation between research organisations. Communication between the public administration and the research community also needs to be improved.