Located in the Turku Archipelago in Southwest Finland, Mälsälä Farm offers an inspiring example of how farmers can combine organic farming, soil health, biodiversity and water protection through a regenerative approach to agriculture.

As part of the OrganicClimateNET network, the farm recently welcomed an international group of organic farmers and advisors during the project’s first study visit in Finland. Against the backdrop of the Baltic Sea and fields of rye, visitors explored how practical organic climate farming measures can help address some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing agriculture today.

Farming with soil, biodiversity and climate in mind

Juho and Tanya Santalahti have managed the family farm since 2020 and converted it to organic farming shortly afterwards. Their decision was driven by a desire to move away from agrochemicals and adopt farming methods that support both soil health and biodiversity.

The couple became interested in regenerative agriculture through the Baltic Sea Action Group’s Carbon Action network, recognising its holistic approach to farming.

“Organic farming fits within the regenerative agriculture framework, and they share many of the same practices, so transitioning to organic felt very natural,” says Tanya Santalahti.

The farm’s coastal location has also played an important role in shaping its priorities. The nearby Archipelago Sea faces ongoing challenges related to eutrophication and nutrient runoff, making water protection a key consideration in farm management.

“The Archipelago Sea suffers from eutrophication and algal blooms, and a large proportion of the nutrients comes from agriculture. That is why we want to trial different farming methods that can reduce the nutrient load on waterways,” Tanya explains.

As Juho points out, the benefits extend beyond environmental protection: The same methods also improve soil health and the profitability of farming.

Tanya’s interest in regenerative organic farming and the protection of waterways has also inspired her academic work, as she is currently pursuing a doctoral thesis on the subject.

Building resilient soils through organic climate farming

Improving soil health is at the heart of Mälsälä Farm’s strategy. The fields have not been ploughed for decades, and the farmers continue to rely on reduced tillage methods adapted to local soil conditions.

Although reduced tillage is their preferred approach, the Santalahtis remain pragmatic. Ploughing is not ruled out if the need arises.

To strengthen soil structure and resilience, the farm has implemented several practices:

• Diverse crop rotations combining cereals, peas, mixed crops, catch crops and green manure leys.
• Soil improvement fibre derived from forest industry side streams, which helps increase soil organic matter and improve water retention.

These practices contribute to healthier soils, better water infiltration, stronger microbial activity and increased resilience to climate-related challenges such as drought and extreme weather events.

Enhancing biodiversity on and beyond the fields

Biodiversity is another key pillar of the farm’s management approach.

Alongside diversified cropping systems, the Santalahtis have established a colourful biodiversity strip as part of a joint research project involving the Baltic Sea Action Group and the University of Helsinki.

The strip contains species such as phacelia, common vetch, buckwheat, linseed, spring rapeseed and Persian clover, creating valuable habitat for pollinators and other wildlife while supporting ongoing biodiversity research.

The farm also benefits from its surrounding landscape. Adjacent oak woodlands are protected, and around half of the farm’s forest area is under permanent conservation. The remaining woodland is managed according to continuous cover forestry principles, helping preserve ecosystem functions and landscape diversity.

Learning and adapting through OrganicClimateNET

For the Santalahtis, participating in OrganicClimateNET is not only about testing innovative farming practices. It is also an opportunity to learn from other farmers, advisors and researchers across Europe.

Like many farmers, they are already experiencing the effects of a changing climate.

“Extreme weather events, and spring droughts in particular, have had a significant impact on our farm’s operations,” says Tanya Santalahti.

Through the project, the couple hopes to continue exchanging knowledge and discovering practical solutions that can strengthen farm resilience.

“We want to meet as many other farmers as possible and take part in the activities of the scientific and farming community, so that we can learn new and better practices,” adds Juho Santalahti.

A farm contributing to climate-resilient organic agriculture

Mälsälä Farm demonstrates how regenerative organic farming can support multiple objectives simultaneously: improving soil health, reducing pressure on waterways, enhancing biodiversity and strengthening climate resilience.

By combining practical innovation with a strong commitment to continuous learning, the farm offers a valuable example of how organic climate farming can help farmers adapt to environmental challenges while maintaining productive and sustainable agricultural systems.

As OrganicClimateNET continues to connect farmers and advisors across Europe, examples like Mälsälä Farm show how local actions can contribute to broader transitions towards more resilient and environmentally responsible farming.