Farming support for the primary producers of starch

One of the core materials for Chemigate’s production grows underground. Marjo Valtonen, who began her work as a farming advisor in January, supports Finnamyl’s contract farmers for starch potatoes.

Agrologist Marjo Valtonen initially became interested in specialised crops as a student.

Before becoming a farming advisor, she worked as a field experimentation researcher at the Potato Research Institute in Ylistaro, and as the project manager of a vertical farming initiative in the food department at Seinäjoki’s University of Applied Sciences.

“Now, as a farming advisor, I support Chemigate’s raw material procurement by helping contract farmers produce good potato crops. An essential criterion is their starch content, which is one of the key elements of the process.”

Lapuan Peruna’s approximately 140 potato farmers, primarily located in southern Ostrobothnia, are provided with annual contracts and farming supplies – but the tightest collaboration comes through advisory services. Here, solutions to issues like crop protection, fertilisation, weather conditions, and other practical issues are considered together – not to mention the challenges for the sector as input prices, material, and freight costs rise.

“I’ve been surprised at how actively the farmers get in touch with me. They’re highly skilled professionals, so advising them looks more like a collaborative discussion. At times, we talk about more than just farming – which makes for a pleasant co-operative atmosphere. However, we’re working together for the benefit of everyone,” Valtonen stresses.

Each field is an individual – just like every farmer

“Upcoming themes for this agricultural cycle include this spring’s seed potatoes, and how to get them growing correctly. There are a lot of variables in this equation, because each variety has its own growth rhythm and nutrient requirements. We experiment in different locations with new varieties. Every field is different, so the right solutions can only be found through experimentation.”

Valtonen also wants to get familiar with the different fields and farmers better so she can offer even more individualised advice. Her visit in the fall will also involve organising delivery schedules, which she’s also looking forward to. Overall, she finds the entire field rewarding and inspiring.

“I like the variety of the job, the people-oriented approach, and the fact that I get to take advantage of my previous experience and skills. We’ve got a good team – we can think things through together with Farming Manager Kimmo Pusa and Kokemäki’s Farming Advisor Jyri Sirola.”

Farming Advisor Valtonen also spends her free time downto-earth, moving easily between specialty crops and the animal kingdom: “I have two horses in the backyard that keep me pretty busy. Horses have been part of my life for a long time –I’ve had my own since the year 2000.”