Natural Resources Institute Finland
Natural Resources Institute Finland (official name: LUONNONVARAKESKUS) is the leading research and expert organization in the agri-food sector in Finland. Established in 2015 by a merger of four well-known research and expert institutes, LUKE is one of the largest clusters of bioeconomy expertise in Europe. During the last five years, LUKE is participating in around 100 major European projects and dozens of other international projects globally. It is a strong multidisciplinary research institute that masters different perspectives of the European agrifood landscape.
This work package, led by LUKE with UAB as co-lead, focuses on understanding the economic implications of improved biosecurity measures and their impact on animal welfare. The findings will feed into the project’s policy recommendations. To achieve this, LUKE and UAB will first design a protocol for collecting economic data from pilot farms, including the costs of implementing biosecurity measures. This protocol will guide data gathering across all participating countries and help capture key parameters before and after improvements.
Building on these insights, the team will develop a bioeconomic model tailored to non-intensive farms. This tool will quantify the resources required for preventive biosecurity measures and assess their economic benefits, such as improved animal health, welfare, productivity, and sustainability. Finally, the tool will be tested in online workshops with stakeholders.
Focus: Bioeconomic modelling, data collection, stakeholder testing
Role in the project:
LUKE leads the bioeconomy work package (WP4) and plays a key role in several project activities. Our team will support the collection and analysis of essential biological and economic data to ensure robust evidence for decision-making. We will also implement a collaborative approach to engage key stakeholders in Finland, review existing legislation and regulations, and develop policy recommendations for adapting or creating new frameworks. In addition, LUKE will contribute actively to the dissemination, communication, and practical application of project results
Lead: Prof. Jarkko Niemi
Role: WP4 Lead (Economic Analysis)
Funder
Anna Stygar
(WP4 leader) Is a senior scientist specializing in digital technologies, animal welfare and breeding as well as farm and health management. She is experienced in leading national and international projects and leveraging data-driven solutions to strengthen resilience and competitiveness in animal production systems. Skilled in qualitative research methods, including the design and facilitation of focus groups, with a strong commitment to integrating innovation into sustainable livestock practices.
Jarkko Niemi
Research professor specializing in the economics of sustainable animal production, health, and welfare. Expertise includes precision livestock farming, data-driven business management, and socio-economic aspects of production diseases. His research portfolio includes economic assessments of major livestock diseases (classical and African swine fever, bluetongue, foot-and-mouth disease) and the impact of structural changes in farming on disease risks. Additional focus areas include tail biting in pigs and economic aspects of protein crop cultivation and self-sufficiency.