Raisio strengthens sustainable farming and Baltic Sea protection in new sustainability programme
Media release 30 June 2026
Raisio is taking part in the Saaristomerikumppanit (Archipelago Sea Partners) project, coordinated by the John Nurminen Foundation, which brings together food industry, trade and agricultural operators to reduce the impact of agriculture on water bodies in the Archipelago Sea catchment area. The project directly supports the objective of Raisio’s new sustainability programme to promote sustainable farming, biodiversity and the well-being of the Baltic Sea.
Sustainable farming plays a key role in Raisio’s sustainability programme. The majority of the company’s environmental impact arises from primary production, which is why Raisio engages in long-term cooperation with its contract farmers to develop farming practices that support both the environment and the future of domestic food production.
One practical tool in this work is the sustainable farming contract introduced in 2025, which aims to promote more sustainable farming practices, particularly in the production of Finnish oats. Raisio’s goal is that 42% of the grain it purchases will come from sustainable farming contracts by 2030.
The Saaristomerikumppanit (Archipelago Sea Partners) project complements this work by focusing on reducing the impact of agriculture on water bodies. The project offers farmers expert advice, incentives and practical support for implementing measures that reduce nutrient leaching into water bodies, improve soil health and strengthen the long-term sustainability of their farms.
“For Raisio, sustainable farming means taking practical action together with farmers. The Saaristomerikumppanit project supports the objectives of our sustainability programme by promoting both environmental well-being and the vitality of agriculture. We want to play a part in developing solutions that reduce the load on water bodies while also strengthening the long-term sustainability of Finnish food production”, says Minna Oravuo, Grain Procurement Manager at Raisio.
Raisio is bringing on board 20 contract farmers
Overall, the aim of the project is to involve around 100 contract producers from the Archipelago Sea catchment area. Contract producers are partners of the companies participating in the project, and Raisio can invite around 20 of its contract farmers to join the project.
The project is interesting for contract farmers because its farm-specific advisory services help identify the water protection measures that are best suited to and most effective for each individual farm, allowing farmers to achieve long-term benefits for water bodies, agriculture and the food chain as a whole.
More detailed information on how to get involved in the project will be available during the autumn and early winter.
The entire food chain represented in the Saaristomerikumppanit project
The Saaristomerikumppanit project is based on the idea that the well-being of water bodies is a shared responsibility across the entire food system. Companies can influence their environmental impact not only through their own operations but also by working in cooperation with primary producers. The aim of the project is to establish a permanent operating model in which water protection is integrated into companies’ sustainability work and cooperation with producers, even after the project has ended.
For Raisio, the project forms part of a broader objective to enhance the well-being of nature throughout its value chain. Developing sustainable farming, promoting biodiversity and protecting the Baltic Sea are key ways of reducing climate and supply risks and ensuring the availability of high-quality domestic grain for future generations as well.
The project combines public and private funding. The South Ostrobothnia Economic Development Centre has awarded the project a grant from the Ahti Programme for the management of water resources and marine environments and for the implementation of measures related to water bodies. Private funding is provided by the companies participating in the project: Atria, DAVA Foods, HKFoods, Raisio, Vaasan/Lantmännen Agro, Valio, Kesko and SOK. The John Nurminen Foundation is responsible for implementing the project.
Enquiries:
Minna Oravuo, Grain Procurement Manager, tel. +358 44 371 2718
Annika Boström-Kumlin, Chief Brand & Sustainability Officer, +358 40 507 1989
Link to the John Nurminen Foundation’s press release (in Finnish): Elintarviketeollisuus ja kauppa rakentavat uutta toimintamallia Saaristomeren vesiensuojeluun yhdessä John Nurmisen Säätiön kanssa – John Nurminen Foundation
RAISIO PLC
Raisio’s beloved brands make life more fulfilling for millions of people across Europe. We make food that combines delicious taste and convenience with scientifically proven health benefits in a way that gets people hooked on good habits. Our strong brands, such as Benecol® and Elovena®, turn our ambitions into reality. We stay hungry for growth and we aim to be distinctly more inventive than others. We have around 350 professionals focused on healthy food in six countries and export to more than 40 markets around the world. Raisio's shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. In 2025, the Group’s comparable net sales for continuing operations were EUR 224.2 million and the comparable EBIT was EUR 28.5 million. www.raisio.com
