Future Valio Farmers programme was awarded as the best cooperative innovation in Europe. Nearly 50 cooperative companies from different countries and production sector took part in the competition organised by Cogeca, the European organisation for agricultural cooperatives. The innovation award was presented for the sixth time.
Launched in spring 2025, Future Valio Farmers programme is a new training programme organised jointly by Valio and cooperatives. The programme is aimed at young dairy farmers or those who are interested in becoming an entrepreneur in the sector. The aim of the programme is to support young entrepreneurs to become top professionals in their field. It provides a broad introduction to the themes of farm business management. Equally important is the opportunity to network with others in similar situations.
“The average age of dairy farm entrepreneurs in Finland in 2024 was 50 years. This challenge is not limited to Finland but affects all of Europe. The agricultural sector needs young, innovative, and investing farmers who can take agriculture forward in a changing world. All the milk used to make our products in Finland is sourced from Valio’s Finnish owner-entrepreneur farms. We want this to continue in the future, so supporting young entrepreneurs is important to Valio,” says Ulf Jahnsson, VP, Primary production at Valio.
Future Valio Farmers programme was unanimously chosen by the judging committee for its visionary approach to generational renewal and strategic investment in future agricultural leaders. The strengths of the Future Valio Farmers programme were in creating social value, strengthening communities and inspiring and encouraging the next generation of farmers. The competition is part of United Nations 2025 International Year of Cooperatives.
Future Valio Farmers programme boosting profitable milk production
The programme supports young entrepreneurs in developing plans, strategies and metrics for their farms. The goal is to create a realistic picture of what managing a modern farm business entail and what skills an entrepreneur will need now and in the future. The aim is that most of these young people who are still considering an entrepreneurial career will ultimately choose it.
Future Valio Farmers programme consists of various elements that allow participants to increase their knowledge of different aspects of agricultural entrepreneurship. The programme includes four in-person sessions and intermediate assignments over two years. In addition, company visits within the agricultural sector, industry events, study trips, team meetings, and group assignments are organized. The themes of the sessions and assignments are economic management of a dairy farm and dairy farm production management, operating as an employer and communication and stakeholder relations. During the program, participants will undertake a development plan. The goal is for them to set objectives and a strategy for their own farm.
There has clearly been a demand for the Future Valio Farmers programme.
“Our initial target was to have 50 participants. The interest was so great that we received 100 applications. Everyone was accepted,” Ulf Jahnsson says.
The transformation of agriculture makes the everyday life of a dairy farmer more challenging
Due to changes in the operating environment, the work of a dairy farmer is becoming increasingly challenging. Farm sizes are growing, and the risks are also increasing. Environmental and responsibility requirements are constantly tightening. On the world market, costs fluctuate because of various crises. This means that diverse skills, especially in financial management and farm strategy planning, will be increasingly needed in the future.
“For us, it is important to secure the supply of Finnish milk, improve the profitability of future producers, and thereby increase the attractiveness of the industry among young people. This is why we developed the Future Valio Farmers program,” Ulf Jahnsson continues.
From Southern Finland to the Arctic Circle
Milk production is the only form of agriculture that can be practiced throughout Finland – even in areas where growing conditions or soil types are not suitable for profitable crop farming. Around 30% of Finland’s fields are used for grass cultivation, which also supports biodiversity in many ways. Grass grows well even in northernmost Lapland, where food crops cannot produce a viable yield.
Finland is the northernmost agricultural country in the world. Food crops grow best in the southern and southwestern regions, while in the north, grass performs strongest and provides a reliable harvest. The short growing season means that yields of cereals and legumes do not reach the levels seen in Central or Southern Europe. Nevertheless, production is sufficient to cover domestic demand and create a surplus. Grass-based food production is an essential part of Finland’s security of supply. Unlike annual crops, grass fields sequester carbon, and thanks to good yields and favorable soil conditions, Finnish cows can be fed primarily with grass-based feed.
