The coronavirus pandemic was a global crisis, but especially the Finnish countryside faced a surprising challenge at the beginning of 2020. When the borders closed, thousands of seasonal workers were lacking. In order to solve the problem, the KoroKausi project was started quickly.

The success of the project was also acknowledged outside Finland, the most recent of which was the recognition given in Brussels on Monday.

"I am glad that our project was able to help a huge number of farms to emerge from the crisis and continue to grow stronger after the pandemic. The project was exceptional, and the victory is a tribute to all those involved in solving the seasonal work crisis," states Forest Director at MTK Marko Mäki-Hakola, who was responsible for the project.

During the covid period, Finland was in many ways in an exceptional situation. As the disease raged, food production and security of supply also raised concerns. After the borders closed, society woke to a surprising situation, where 16,000 seasonal workers lacked in rural areas.

In the crisis, MTK quickly received project funding from the Rural Development Programme and, together with Töitä Suomesta Oy, which was established to solve the crisis, started to procure labour for the farms. The labour force was acquired through an extensive network in the home country. In addition, MTK created a covid-safe charter flight model and arranged numerous charter flights together with Töitä Suomesta Oy from Ukraine.

"The emergency at the farms was great in the spring of 2020, but with the help of the project, assistance was uickly arranged. The key to success was a smooth cooperation between organisations and authorities. In particular, the role of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry was extremely important," says Jyrki Wallin, Executive Director of MTK.

The KoroKausi project was awarded in the finals of the Agricultural & Rural Inspiration Awards in the category of Smart and Competitive Agriculture.

"We are delighted with the success and would like to thank all the top experts who have worked on the project," say Wallin and Mäki-Hakola, who represented the project in Brussels.

The awards were given in five categories, one of which was public voting.