Directory

Located in Hillilä, Asikkala, Mattsson grows blackcurrants and raspberries. The farm moved away from industrial strawberry production to focus on methods that reflect their values. When in season, visitors can pick their own berries in the fields or stop by the café, famous for its pancakes. The farm’s guiding principle is simple: leave the land in better condition than they found it.

Sakura Oü is a quince orchard in Päka, Estonia, run by farmer Lehari Järg. Most of the work is done by Lehari himself, with one or two extra hands helping out during the summer months. Each quince is picked by hand. The orchard is managed with a light touch. Outside of the early growing season and harvest, the trees require little intervention. Young trees are supported with organic fertiliser made from chicken manure — a simple method that, according to Lehari, works like a charm.

Salohiili is a charcoal, biochar, and firewood producer based in Pielavesi, founded in 1990 and run by Aimo Lipponen. Their barbecue and forge charcoal is made from Finnish birch and packed without plastic. The charcoal is produced using machinery designed and built in-house, developed specifically for this purpose. Where the process once relied on a kiln, today the birch is dried in a boiler with very limited oxygen, resulting in a clean, consistent charcoal well suited for cooking over fire.

Sanna Reponen is a small-scale organic farmer in Sulkava, growing garlic across almost her entire 500 square meter plot. She also produces small amounts of oats and feed for a neighbouring organic dairy farm. Her garlic is highly sought after, often sold out before the next season even begins. Sanna keeps a low profile online and on social media, earning her the mysterious nickname “the invisible farmer.”