On June 24, our parent company Trans Farm hosted an event welcoming Finnish oilseed hemp and caraway farmers, as well as others interested in specialty crops.

“The profitable cultivation of clean, nutrient-rich, and sustainably grown oilseed hemp begins with skilled farmers,” says Jyrki Leppälä, CEO of FoodFarm’s parent company Trans Farm Oy.

Trans Farm is responsible for nearly all oilseed hemp cultivation in Finland. The company supplies growers with certified planting seeds and purchases the harvested crops for further processing.

For FoodFarm, there are two significant advantages to contract farming regarding hemp quality. First, quality control is airtight, since the origin of every batch can be traced. Second, farmers gain access to proven cultivation methods and, perhaps even more importantly, to one another.

On Tuesday, that second benefit materialized when nearly 200 growers and other visitors interested in oilseed hemp and specialty crops attended the event. Despite the rain, the atmosphere remained warm and welcoming.

“Over 16 millimeters of rain fell, and a few cars nearly got stuck in the parking lot, but that didn’t slow anyone down!” Leppälä chuckles.

Sustainability, Strong Yields, and a Soil Pit

The event was held at the farm of Tuomas Levomäki, the cultivation manager of Trans Farm. In addition to the farmers, over 20 companies and organizations from the rural sector showcased their expertise at individual stands.

Despite the rainy forecast, many were eager to learn about the latest cultivation methods. How densely should hemp be sown per hectare? What type of soil yields the best results?

Visitors also had the opportunity to observe a soil pit analysis conducted by a Doctor of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences, which provided valuable insights into soil structure and its significance in hemp farming.

“Soil pit analysis is currently one of the most important topics among farmers, particularly for oilseed hemp. This plant thrives best in loamy soil, and we emphasize the importance of selecting the appropriate soil type,” Leppälä explains.

Interest in Oilseed Hemp Is Growing Among Farmers and Consumers

For Finnish farmers, oilseed hemp may be more profitable now than ever before. The demand for clean, domestically produced, and sustainably grown hemp continues to rise, with each year setting new records in both acreage and yields.

Consumers are increasingly interested in hemp due to its impressive nutritional value and environmental benefits. The fast-growing crop efficiently captures carbon dioxide and does not require chemical pesticides, even in conventional farming practices. Hempseed-based products are naturally nutrient-dense, containing all 20 amino acids, including the eight essential ones. Additionally, they are rich in healthy plant fats, such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, in a ratio that’s ideal for the human body.

Curious About Oilseed Hemp? Get in touch with us or dive deeper into hemp cultivation on Trans Farm’s website!