The first warm up event for the food and natural product sectors of the Northern Ostrobothnia region in Finland took place on 8–9 December 2025 in Paltamo, with actors from Lapland, Northern Ostrobothnia, and Kainuu. The event aimed to strengthen regional collaboration and support the long-term development of food and natural product networks in northern Finland.
Organised by the projects: Best Local Food on the Table, VISION4FOOD, Natural Products from the North, and Snacks for Life, the meeting gathered around 25 participants from public authorities, research and academia, civil society organisations, industry representatives, and national food export actors. The programme combined presentations, workshops, and networking activities focused on shared challenges and future opportunities for the regional food system.
Over the two days, participants reflected on the current state of regional food and natural product networks and worked together to define common goals. Workshop sessions focused on visualising the developer network, identifying shared priorities, and co-designing concrete actions to support entrepreneurship, strengthen skills and competences, secure financing, influence legislation, and increase the visibility of northern food and natural products. Discussions also explored how cooperation between regions could be strengthened through regular meetings, joint project planning, and coordinated participation in regional and national events.
The meeting marked an important step in shaping the future of the network. Agreed next steps included developing a shared identity and communication materials, establishing consistent messaging across projects, launching a northern food podcast, and creating joint training and coaching activities. Participants expressed strong interest in continued collaboration, laying the foundation for sustained engagement and closer dialogue between rural areas and urban centres.
Moderated by Heini Iinatti (Rural Women’s Association of Oulu) and Virpi Harilahti-Juola (Association for Rural Culture and Education), the meeting confirmed a shared commitment to further developing the network in 2026, with follow-up activities planned to expand engagement with SMEs, producers, and industry stakeholders.