Farm Preparedness Project (VARO)

The Farm Preparedness (VARO) project aims to strengthen the capacity of farmers and farms to prepare for various disruptions, crises, and emergency situations. The project provides information, practical examples, and operational models to support the identification, anticipation, and management of risks. The activities focus particularly on development needs identified in previous preparedness surveys, such as securing farm water supply during emergency situations and strengthening the psychological resilience of farmers.

The project enhances preparedness skills through preparedness games, training events, information sessions, and thematic workshops. In addition, up-to-date information on preparedness is produced and disseminated in cooperation with authorities, security-sector actors, and other stakeholders. The objective is to improve understanding of what preparedness means in practice and how farms can safeguard their operations under changing and uncertain conditions.

The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is responsible for work package 3, which focuses on the adequacy of water resources on farms during disruptions and emergency situations in the regions of North Ostrobothnia and Kainuu. One case study is the beef cattle research barn at Luke's Ruukki research infrastructure. The work includes mapping agricultural water use, evaluating the adequacy and suitability of different water sources, and demonstrating practical solutions for securing water availability. In addition, the project investigates irrigation water requirements, efficient water use, risks related to water quality, and water treatment methods. The results are intended to improve farm preparedness for water supply disruptions and support the sustainable use of water under exceptional conditions.

The project is coordinated by MTK Northern Finland. Luke and Haapavesi-Siikalatva Municipal Federation are partner organizations. The project is funded by the Rural Development Fund through the Northern Finland Economic Development Centre ( Pohjois-Suomen Elinvoimakeskus).