VISION4FOOD partner Rural Women´s Advisory Centre (RWAC) participated in the 47th AIS Conference in Oulu, Finland to present the project and Artic pilot in Finland.
The conference took place from 4 to 6 June and was hosted by The University of Oulu and Oulu University of Applied Sciences. This year, AIS2025 focused on the theme “Shaping the Future in the Era of Polycrisis” and invited all those interested in multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and transdisciplinary research and teaching at all stages of their research career and in all staff groups.
Rural Women´s Advisory Centre (RWAC) introduced the project and discussed the special features of the food chain of VISION4FOOD Arctic pilot area, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with it. This was a great example of the development of food ecosystems in the area.
Southern European participants were particularly interested in how adaptation to climate change is visible in northern conditions. The discussion was also sparked by food security – is it seen as clean food, maintenance assurance or promoting self-sufficiency?
About the Arctic pilot in North and East Finland
- The pilot area covers ~60% of Finland: sparsely populated, world’s northernmost professional farming, short-growing seasons.
- Challenges: adapting to climate change, supporting small-scale producers, and ensuring food security.
- Strengths: clean raw materials, strong public-private collaboration, local expertise.
- Focus areas: Northern Ostrobothnia and Lapland – addressing supply chain security, farm profitability, and regional development.
You can learn about this pilot region in the regions page here.