Organic Farming, Sustainable Agriculture, and Technical Innovations in Finland

Abstract

This thesis considers modern technologies and their effects on the organic farming sector within the Finnish context in terms of sustainability, productivity and profit. Combining email interviews with agricultural stakeholders such as MTK, ProAgria, and Luomuinstituutti and an elomake survey conducted among farmers and industry representatives the research investigates the level of penetration of technologies such as precision agriculture, IoT systems, renewable energy solutions, and biological pest management systems.

The results indicate that while technology has the potential to enhance economic efficiency and promote green practices, there are high costs for organic farming technologies, lack of technical expertise and technology standardization issues which remain perennial barriers. Organizational support for organic farmers provided by MTK and ProAgria is important for overcoming these barriers through capacity building, consulting, and finance.

The thesis emphasized the policy framework and concerted efforts from various stakeholders directed at strengthening organic innovation. It ends with suggestions for increasing the use of technology by farmers, for instance, through more adequate funding, education, and technology production geared toward the needs of farmers. This research provides important information in the field of sustainable development agriculture as well as outlines the landmarks of future changes in the Finnish organic farming.