SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture

Luke’s goal is to promote sustainable food production and improve the conditions for primary production in Finland. Luke plays an important role in addressing the challenges related to the continuity of food production, self-sufficiency and security of supply. We actively work to develop new innovative solutions for agriculture and food production and monitor the functioning of markets and the factors influencing them.

Luke works on genetic resources and research related to genetic resources. The statutory work on genetic resources aims to conserve the genetic diversity of organisms used in primary production and to promote their sustainable use, for example, in research, breeding and education. The protection of genetic resources in primary production is based on the National Genetic Resources Programme for Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery (MMM 2018/11a). Luke coordinates the implementation of the programme. We also work on conserving endangered fish species and fish stocks and producing their roe and fry for further cultivation and restocking.

In April 2022, we organised a webinar on the acute effects of the war in Ukraine on the food market and forestry sector and the potential long-term impact of the war on the green transition. We have also produced blogs and news articles on the subject. The key messages covered topics such as nutrient recycling as a way to reduce dependence on oil and imported nutrients and the possibilities to simultaneously promote self-sufficiency and climate goals.

In this section, we describe how fertiliser shortages and rising costs can be addressed while increasing food security, and we present ways to improve conditions for the production and export of pure oats in Finland. As an example of protecting the genetic diversity of wild species, the section describes our work to support knowledge-based management of trout and European whitefish stocks.