The current state and development needs of education in organic food and farming (LUKOKE)

The project aims to produce information to increase and develop education in organic food and farming in secondary vocational and higher education in Finland, and to build international networks.

Besides the vocational schools, universities of applied sciences and universities in Finland and to some extent abroad, the study covers companies in the Finnish food sector. The work utilizes online surveys and searches, interviews, and thematic expert workshops.

The study includes the following themes (responsible party in parentheses):
• Education and expertise in organic food and farming in Finnish universities, educational offerings in selected foreign universities, and cooperation in international networks (University of Helsinki)
• Education and expertise in organic food and farming in secondary vocational and applied sciences education (HAMK)
• Specific educational needs related to the skills of food companies in organic food and farming (Sakky)

Based on the results from surveys and workshops, measures are proposed to advance organic production, and to develop education in organic food and farming. Result summaries are also written.

The study is a part of the Organic 2.0 – Finland’s National Programme for Organic Production 2030, which aims at developing the organic sector in Finland. That programme is made known alongside the project’s surveys, interviews, and workshops.

The project is carried out by the University of Helsinki (HU), Savo Consortium for Education (SAKKY) and Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK, coordinator), and funded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry via the Finnish Food Authority.

Contact persons:
University of Helsinki, Anne Honkanen
Savo Consortium for Education, Anu Arolaakso
Häme University of Applied Sciences, Outi Vahtila, coordinator