Directory

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.

Saloniemen Juustola in Laitila, run by Riitta and Jouni Saloniemi since 1998, has grown from a small herd of goats into a full-scale organic creamery. Today they produce award-winning cheeses and yogurts, as well as some natural cosmetics. Over the years the farm has also introduced Finncattle and a few workhorses, and Riitta is even considering adding sheep. “As long as the heart beats and tells us to keep going, we will,” she says.

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.”

Svarfvars is an organic farm located in Raseborg. They produce organically and biodynamically grown goods for schools, kindergartens and restaurants in the capital area and in western Uusimaa – selling both their own grown vegetables, but also sell and import other organic products. Currently their focus is on growing vegetables and herbs both in open fields and in greenhouses heated with wood chips.

Helsinki Distilling Company was founded in 2014 by friends and whiskey enthusiasts Kai Kilpinen and Mikko Mykkänen. It became the city’s first distillery in over a century, based in Teurastamo, Helsinki’s old abattoir district. Their range includes gin, local aquavit, applejack from Finnish apples, “lonkero,” and rye and single malt whiskey. The team works with circular-economy projects, turning spent mash into biogas, while their Tahko distillery focuses on organic production and local ingredients.