Innovation in Agriculture and Food Sector in Estonia: Current Status and Outlook

The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK) is hosting the Innovation Area at the Estonian Agricultural Exhibition (EPA Fair 2025).

Two seminars offer fresh insights into the current state of Estonian agrifood sector, entrepreneurs’ perspectives on challenges and opportunities, as well as an overview of support measures provided by the public sector. You will hear success stories from innovative companies and learn how digitalisation, automation, and international partnerships are shaping the future of agriculture and food production in Estonia.

The event is in Estonian. 

Learn more about this event HERE

AGENDA

Seminar I “What’s the Status and Where to Get Support?”

The seminar is moderated by Rain Kuldjärv, TFTAK, Functional Foods and Beverages Program Manager

10:30 – 12:15 Developments in Agriculture and Food Production in Estonia – Current Situation and the Way Forward

• Economic Overview of the Agricultural and Food Sector – Ants Hannes Viira, Head of Agricultural Policy at EPKK / Senior Researcher in Rural Economy, Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge
• Real-life comparisons, business environment insights, and experiences in the search for efficiency, shared by:
  • Lenno Link, Member of the Board, Väätsa Agro
  • Ahti Kalde, Member of the Board, Sadala Agro 

12:15 – 13:15 Lunch available at food courts in the exhibition area

13:15 – 14:45 Seminar II “What Can the Public Sector Do to Support Innovation?”

• 13:15 – 13:45 How the public sector supports agricultural entrepreneurs and the role of AKIS – Katrin Pihor, Head of Network Department, Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge
• 13:45 – 14:05 Upcoming measures by the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture to support innovation in agriculture and food production – Gret-Kristel Mällo, Adviser, R&D Department, Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture 
• 14:05 – 14:25 Driving Regenerative Agriculture in Europe: Real-World Pilots and EIT Food Partnership Opportunities – Susanah Aalto, Ecosystem Manager, EIT Food
• 14:25 – 15:00 AIRE (AI & Robotics Estonia) experience in supporting enterprise digitalisation and automation. How could agricultural enterprises and food producers take this further? – Martin Rebane, Head of R&D, AI & Robotics Estonia (AIRE) / Tartu Science Park Foundation

15:00 – 15:30 Stretch & Networking Break

15:30 – 17:00 Presentations of Innovative Company Success Stories on Stage