Sustainable Finnish Food Culture : Tips for making it happen

Abstract

Food is important to each and every one of us. It is also an integral part of our culture. Finland’s unique cuisine and food sector are a product of the country's northern location and natural environment. Other factors affecting Finnish food culture include policy guidelines, food education, ever closer networks in the global economy and international politics, and culinary trends marketed by the media.

To truly meet the criteria for sustainability, food must be ecologically, socially and economically sustainable. In Finland, the sustainable domestic production of food rests on a solid foundation, which includes clean water and natural resources, the mainstreaming of sustainability in decision-making, and the concept of wellbeing.

The tips that follow include background information about what the political decision-makers and Finnish food industry are already doing to promote sustainability. The main purpose of this publication is to provide practical advice and tips about the choices that organisers of events can make to favour the emergence of a sustainable food culture.