Directory

Under Ytan works with algae and seaweed in Åland, with the aim of shifting how the Baltic Sea is seen and cared for. The team – Joel Lindholm, Viktor Eriksson, Johan Törnqvist and Anders Ingves – is developing a mariculture project in Björkskär, growing macroalgae and seaweed, with plans to include mussels as the system grows. They’re currently moving from prototypes towards a full farming setup. The work supports biodiversity while producing food at the same time, something the team enjoys exploring in the kitchen, from sesame-fried Ulva with chilli to sea truffle mayonnaise.

Vakka-Taimi is a specialist seedling grower run by Vesa Muurinen. What began as a small hobby nursery has grown into a wide-ranging collection of trees, shrubs, vines, and perennials. Alongside their core nursery work, Vakka-Taimi is actively trialling nut-producing species to see how they perform in the Finnish climate. Testing and observation are a central part of their work. The Muurila gardens, first planted in the early 1990s, now host more than 80 species and are open to visitors. Throughout the year, the garden holds seasonal events such as magnolia, rose and peony days, sharing knowledge and encouraging curiosity around plants that might shape future growing in Finland.

Vallinrinne is a small-scale organic farm in Nurmijärvi, run by Eerika Vallinrinne and Kalle Suontausta. The farm has been in Eerika’s family for generations, and today they grow a variety of brassicas, including cabbage, cauliflower, and kohlrabi in various varieties.

Vihreän Oksan Verstas is a horticulture and farming education programme for young people aged 16–29, based at the Kumpula Education Garden. Working in partnership with the City of Helsinki, they offer rehabilitative work opportunities for those interested in gardening or looking for a next step. Alongside the programme, they grow and sell vegetables, herbs, and flowers, as well as plants, jams, and other house-made products.

Viiniverla is an organic producer of non-alcoholic wines and drinks based in Verla. Their range includes sparkling wine, traditional lemonades, glögg, and juices such as apple-ginger glögg or red gooseberry fizz, all made from local ingredients, without artificial flavourings, sweeteners, or colouring. Their responsible approach extends beyond ingredients, covering cooking methods, energy use, and recycling across the production. Alongside their own production, Viiniverla offers a fruit juicing service: anyone can bring apples from their garden to be turned into juice, helping to capture the harvest and prevent surplus fruit from going to waste.

Viltgården, based in Fagervik Bay in Inkoo, works with wild game from Finnish forests, mainly deer and moose. The meat comes from local hunting teams in Uusimaa and Varsinais-Suomi and is cut and packed by their own small team at Viltgården’s slaughterhouse in Inkoo. Their approach is rooted in careful, selective hunting and a deep understanding of wildlife populations. By working in step with the forests and their inhabitants, Viltgården offers an ethical, transparent alternative to farmed meat.