Led by farmer Pekka Paavola, the event offered a hands-on exploration of how soil health, water management, and precision farming can strengthen climate resilience in organic systems.
A Modern Organic Farm Focused on Soil and Sustainability
PP Farm Oy manages 188 hectares of organically farmed land, with starch potatoes as its main crop. The farm also cultivates barley, peas, rapeseed, grassland, and cover crops as part of a diverse crop rotation that supports soil fertility and carbon storage.
With two family members working full-time and close cooperation with neighboring farms and contractors, PP Farm represents the collaborative, innovative spirit of Finnish agriculture. The farm has invested heavily in improving field structure, controlled drainage, and deep tillage – ensuring that every hectare contributes to both productivity and sustainability.
Climate Challenges and Actions
Like many farms in the region, PP Farm faces spring droughts and wet autumns, conditions that challenge both planting and harvest. In response, the farm has implemented a comprehensive Adaptation & Mitigation Plan (AMP) focused on improving water management, enhancing organic matter, and selecting climate-tolerant crop varieties.
The results speak for themselves. Using the Biocode carbon calculator, the farm achieved a carbon sequestration rate of 1,575 t CO₂e per year, offsetting its emissions and reaching a net carbon balance of –1,400 t CO₂e/year – proof that organic and regenerative practices can deliver measurable climate benefits.
Getting Hands-On: The Pit Test in Practice
The demo event invited participants to literally get their hands dirty. Together, they conducted and interpreted a soil pit test using the MARA card, assessing soil structure, root depth, and biological activity. This practical exercise, followed by an open discussion and reflection, sparked valuable exchanges on how soil-focused measures translate into climate impact.
Despite strong winds and a tight schedule, the event’s interactive approach made it one of the most engaging sessions of the Annual Meeting.
“What stood out was Pekka’s expertise and openness. He made complex soil science accessible — showing that healthy soil isn’t just a technical issue, it’s the foundation of climate-smart farming,”
said one participant during the reflection.
From Soil to Systemic Change
With a strong focus on precision agriculture, soil fertility, and cooperation, PP Farm Oy demonstrates how small adjustments – from deep tillage to crop diversification – can add up to major climate impact. Supported by the Climate Farm Demo network, Pekka Paavola continues to monitor, refine, and share his practices, proving that the future of organic farming lies both underground and in innovation.
