Our contract farmer competes for the title of Europe's best organic farmer

Hasu, who runs the LuomuMattinen farm in Oravala, Kouvola, grows gluten-free organic oats, peas, and turnip rape and keeps organic suckler cows. He has been an exemplary advocate for organic and sustainable agriculture in his work. The farm, which was also awarded the title of Organic Business of the Year in 2023, pays special attention to soil fertility and carbon sequestration in its fields.

Tommi started his own farming career with a generational change and continued the organic production started by his father in 1996. Ten years ago, when Helsinki Mills proposed switching to gluten-free organic oats, Tommi was happy to take up the challenge. 

Helsinki Mills is not a faceless buyer but rather a partner

Tommi describes Helsinki Mills as a true partner, offering advice and information on farming issues and supporting farmers in their daily work.

– Our cooperation is long-term and mutual, and it has had a big impact on my own work as a farmer, says Tommi.

He mentions in particular the active dialogue with Pekka Kultti, a crop expert and grain purchaser at Helsinki Mills.

– The mill provides practical advice, information on farming practices and yields, and the market situation. I receive requests for varieties and growing rates, as well as quality requirements. Together we will discuss how we can produce the best possible oats in terms of quantity and quality, he says. 

Helsinki Mills’ commitment to sustainability and quality is important to Tommi.

– I'm not trying to produce top quality needlessly; there's a reason for my efforts. I am motivated by the opportunity to produce a special product, gluten-free organic oats, which are not widely available globally. 

Major recognition for Finnish agriculture

Tommi has been nominated for  the EU Organic Award, which he sees as a significant recognition for Finnish agriculture.

–It is great that Finnish agriculture is being recognised at such a high level. We have the best gluten-free oats in the world, and their traceability is second to none, Tommi says proudly.

He sees huge potential in organic farming and believes it is important that consumers continue to appreciate high quality and sustainably produced food in the future.

Organic farming during climate change

Climate change has brought new challenges to farming, such as extreme weather events.

–I believe that the means to manage it are constantly evolving. I also see a future in organic farming, as long as consumers and the industry remain committed to it in the long term.

Although organic yields are often lower, Tommi has achieved good yields through persistent work. Over the course of my career, my skills have grown. This has been achieved by concentrating on our own work, using external expertise and sparring on cause-and-effect relationships with various experts and other farmers. 

Organic farming is not rocket science, but it requires you to concentrate on what is important. Meeting the strict and demanding conditions of organic certification requires diligence and annual audits on the farm. 

Thank you to consumers

Tommi wants to thank the consumers that choose Finnish organic products.

– Consumers pay our wages, and I am grateful that they appreciate quality and don't go for cheap bulk, he says.

In his opinion, high-quality and safe food cannot be taken for granted, and Finnish gluten-free oats are among the best in the world.

– When you buy Finnish food, you can be sure that it is of high quality and carefully controlled, he says.

Tommi Hasu's career as an organic farmer is an example of long-term work and commitment to sustainable development. His collaboration with Helsinki Mills has produced excellent results, and the future of both Tommi and Finnish organic farming looks bright.

The winner will be announced on EU Organic Day on September 23, 2024.