Seminar · 23.1.2024 · 13:00-15:00

The Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine have significantly disrupted global trade and value chains. In addition to economy and geopolitics, this also has implications on maintaining the vital functions of societies around the world. The functions include nutrient recycling, which refers to the system where nutrients and organic carbon are transferred through society from soils to products, and finally to waste or side-streams, including recycled fertilisers.

The recent geopolitical shifts have created new incentives to utilise microbial or plant-based products to improve soil health and reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture. These are in line with ecological arguments for more localised nutrient cycles as well as the goals of EU’s strategic autonomy, national self-sufficiency, and security of supply.

This webinar explores the interplay between global geopolitics and the management of essential nutrients necessary for agriculture and food security. How can resilience and adaptability be increased in a rapidly evolving global trade landscape of agriculture? How should different forms and levels of government navigate the challenges of resource distribution, technology transfer, and trade negotiations related to sustainable agricultural inputs in the era of polycrisis?

The webinar is organised by FIIA in cooperation with Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE).

Opening words:
Mikko Weckroth, Research Manager and Senior Scientist, Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)

Speakers:
Guy Faure, Senior Policy Officer, European Commission: “A global perspective to the fertiliser crisis: what is at stake?”
Marco Siddi, Leading Researcher, FIIA; “Conflict, geopolitics and food security”
Jyrki Niemi, Research Professor, Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE): “Dependencies and vulnerabilities in global fertiliser trade”

Discussion

Panel: “Drivers and barriers for more localized nutrient cycles”
Kaisa Karttunen, Professor of Practice, University of Helsinki
Kimmo Rasa, Research Manager and Senior Scientist, Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)
Tiffanie Stephani, Vice President, Government Relations and External Communications, Yara Europe
Ville-Veikko Pitkänen, Counsellor, Finland’s Representation in NATO

Moderator:
Emma Hakala, Leading Researcher, FIIA

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The Finnish Institute of International Affairs is an independent research institute that produces high-level research and topical information on international relations and the EU to support political decision-making as well as scientific and public debate both nationally and internationally. The Institute also publishes a journal, Ulkopolitiikka (Finnish Journal of Foreign Affairs). The responsibility for the views expressed ultimately rests with the individual experts. Find out more: https://www.fiia.fi/en