Kettera
Kainuu food sector development group, Ketterä, is a regional collaborative network that brings together industry developers, project implementers, educational institutions and businesses to promote growth in Kainuu’s food and natural products sector. The group aims to strengthen entrepreneurial expertise, enhance collaboration, and develop new products, services, and business opportunities for the region. Its activities are based on agile cooperation, knowledge sharing and practical solutions that enable a rapid and effective response to the sector's changing needs. Ketterä also acts as a bridge between businesses, development organizations and projects, ensuring the region's potential is effectively harnessed. Ketterä’s operations are coordinated by the Parasta paikallista pöytiin project, run by ProAgria Eastern Finland / MKN Eastern Finland.
Kainuu food strategy in finnish language Kainuun ruokastrategia 2026 - 2030.
Arktiset Aromit ry is the national industry association for the natural products sector (wild berries, mushrooms, herbs and specialty natural products); through its activities, it promotes the harvesting, processing and use of natural products and improves product quality.
LAG Living Kainuu Leader NGO is a local rural development organization collaborating with associations, businesses, private individuals and public organization; it highlights and implements grassroots-level needs and aspirations for rural development. The association awards Leader funding to businesses and communities within its operating area: Hyrynsalmi, Kuhmo, Ristijärvi, Sotkamo and Suomussalmi.
Over 15 years of experience in food industry product development and manufacturing. We act as an expert partner in product development, guiding projects from concept to production. In 2024, our company was awarded the national title of Nature-Based Enterprise of the Year.
The Rural Women’s Advisory Organisation of Eastern Finland (MKN Itä-Suomi) operates in the regions of Kainuu, North Karelia and North Savo. Our activities encompass food-related advisory services, business services, landscape and nature management services and organizational work. Together with our members, associations, businesses, and stakeholders, we carry out projects, campaigns, and events that make Eastern Finland a diverse, community-oriented destination worth visiting. We are part of ProAgria Eastern Finland—your partner in building a sustainable and profitable future.
Kainuu Vocational College offers a diverse range of training programs in the natural products and food sectors. The offerings span from longer, degree-oriented programs to short courses provided through various projects.
The Regional Council of Kainuu promotes the vitality and sustainable development of the Kainuu region as well as the well-being of its residents.
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (KAMK) educates the experts of the future and promotes development at both regional and international levels through its activities.
Catering and cleaning services – Kajaanin Mamselli is a public-service company that offers high-quality catering and cleaning services.
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) is a research organisation that builds sustainable future and well-being from renewable natural resources.
The Unit of Measurement Technology (MITY) develops research and technology in measurement technology. The unit operates in two application areas: cleantech and health and wellness.
MTK-Pohjois-Suomi ry is a regional interest and advocacy organization for farmers, forest owners, and rural entrepreneurs, operating in the regions of Northern Ostrobothnia and Kainuu. It operates under the umbrella of the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK). The organization aims to foster favorable conditions for agriculture, forestry, and farm-based rural entrepreneurship in the region. MTK-Pohjois-Suomi maintains strong regional and national ties with educational and development organizations, funding bodies, municipalities, food processing companies, and various parts of the producer organization network. Agriculture in the region is diverse, and a key foundation for these activities is the region's vibrant, pristine natural environment, which yields some of the cleanest food products in Europe.
Oulujärvi Leader is a local development organization and a Leader group. Oulujärvi Leader encourages residents to develop their local area and provides guidance on developing ideas into projects and on project implementation.
Economic Development Centre of Northern Finland promotes the development of business, rural areas and the labor market, while providing diverse support to enterprises. They ensure the protection of nature and the environment and we foster biodiversity and the good ecological status of waters. They are responsible for a safe and functional transport network and daily road maintenance and implement effective transport solutions to meet the needs of both the public and the business community. The Centre’s headquarters is located in Oulu, with an additional office in Kajaani and a branch office in Ylivieska.