Food 2.0 is extensive research program, aiming to create a Finnish nature-smart food system in which growth, profitability and added value are built on the basis of sustainable production. The Food 2.0 project has been granted a total of EUR 20 million funding in Business Finland’s challenge competition for leading companies. Valio is the first food company that Business Finland has chosen as a leading company.
The current global food supply chain is facing challenges: the world’s population is growing, and the need for food is estimated to double by 2050. Extreme weather conditions, especially droughts, will increase with climate change in areas where majority of food is currently produced. Therefore, the importance of northern regions, such as Finland, in food production is growing. Recent global crises disrupt food supply chains and threaten the security of supply. The world situation has also raised the prices of key inputs such as fertilisers and energy. This is why primary producers are struggling with unprecedented profitability challenges in Finland.
At the same time, the environmental impact of food production must be reduced. The entire food system – both plant and animal production – must operate more comprehensively in accordance with the principles of circular economy and resource efficiency.
“We need to simultaneously solve the profitability challenge of food production, meet the demands of the growing export markets and move towards more sustainable production methods.“ – Tuomas Salusjärvi, EVP, Growth Businesses and R&D at Valio.
Valio’s role is to initiate and lead wide-ranging cooperation as well as research and development projects with its current and new Food 2.0 ecosystem partners. Business Finland provided additional funding for the program in April 2026
Hundreds of companies and other operators are connected to the food system in Finland, and the goal is to have at least 250 partners in the Food 2.0 ecosystem partner network.
Valio’s and the ecosystem’s goal is to invest EUR 185 million more in research and development activities over five years.
Food 2.0 aims to increase exports connected to the food system by more than EUR 1,5 billion by 2032.
The shift is an opportunity • The sustainability transition in the food system is inevitable. Be a pioneer by solving challenges together to create added value and profitability!
Business opportunities in the circular economy • Create solutions and expertise across value chain boundaries! • Gain visibility and find new business partners!
Funding opportunities • Take advantage of Business Finland’s leading company ecosystem R&D as well as EU funding opportunities or other R&D funding sources! • Get insights and connections to upcoming public R&D project preparations.
Networking and collaboration • Stay up to date with member news and network, learn and collaborate in ecosystem events!
How to join?
Food 2.0 welcomes partners and projects as a part of the Ecosystem, if their vision and targets are in line with Food 2.0 vision and roadmap.
To join the ecosystem, please contact Ecosystem Lead Veera Virtanen (veera.virtanen@valio.fi). You will receive a member application form through email. Please fill the form and let us know your interests and targets. Valio’s Food 2.0 steering group will decide on the approval of the membership.
By joining the ecosystem you join an email list and give permission to use your organization’s and project’s name and logo on the Food 2.0 presentation materials and websites.
