Finland's food chain imbalance leaves farmers outplayed, researchers warn

Researchers warn Finland's food chain is imbalanced, with farmers systematically disadvantaged by a few powerful retail actors who control pricing and favor cheaper imports. Maria Ehrnström-Fuentes, a docent at Hanken School of Economics in Vaasa, compares the market to a chessboard where farmers are outplayed. She notes production has centralized into large warehouses, increasing transport and energy costs, making the system fragile. Honey producers Marina and Marc Bock downsized from 300 to 130 hives, maintaining income through direct sales and organic subsidies. Ehrnström-Fuentes suggests cooperatives, like South Korea's Hansalim model, as a solution, though Marc doubts feasibility due to Finland's long distances.