Climate Change Risk Management and Adaptation in Food Processing Companies in Varsinais-Suomi – ELLY

We promote companies' adaptation to climate change

Duration of the project

1.11.2024. – 31.10.2026

Source of funding

European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

Total funding

152 680 €

The ELLY project aims to promote the adaptation to climate change of food processing companies in Southwest Finland. Adaptation is essential to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of climate change through various measures, as well as to take advantage of new opportunities brought about by the changes and to increase business resilience.

Southwest Finland is the leading food processing region in the country in many sectors. The four largest sectors in terms of volume are bakeries, other food products (honey, coffee, confectionery, sauces, preserves), fish processing and beverage production. These food and beverage processing enterprises are characterised by small size, a rural focus and a high degree of specialisation. Adaptation to climate change is an important part of their food security. Adaptation is essential to prevent or mitigate the negative impacts of climate change through a variety of measures and to take advantage of the new opportunities that climate change brings.

The project will focus not only on climate change in Finland, but also on the complexities of climate change spillovers and spillovers. Global climate changes elsewhere in the world may have significant spill-over effects on the Finnish food sector. Similarly, disruptions experienced by other sectors, e.g. electricity production, in extreme weather conditions in Finland will have knock-on effects on food processing companies.

Concerns about climate change are also increasingly reflected in consumer behaviour, posing new challenges for food businesses to adapt. The project will combine state-of-the-art climate change research with the know-how capital of food processing companies in the sector. The project will promote peer learning and shared value creation between businesses in the region in the context of climate change adaptation. We will create networking opportunities, places for innovation and increase research and development in the field of climate change adaptation.

As a result of the project, food processing companies will be better prepared for climate change risks and respond actively and effectively to them. The results of the ELLY project will be reflected in ensuring food security for citizens in the wider region. The project will have a positive impact on the region’s economy. The need to adapt to climate change may also be an opportunity for some companies to start new business, as Innovative Food Chains is one of the three priorities of Smart Specialisation in Southwest Finland.