Lecture Day in Närpes-Kristinestad 16.5.2024

"What permits and certificates are needed to start a small food-producing company?"

There was a total of 7 attendees and an interpreter, as well as project researcher Malin Nyholm from Novia University of Applied Sciences. During the lecture, we reviewed the permits required to start a food production business in Finland today. Among other things, we went through the Finnish Food Authority's website, where one can find help regarding the hygiene passport, which is a must if you work with food. The hygiene passport is crucial in the food industry when it comes to permits, so it is very important that everyone successfully completes the test provided by various institutions.

Link: https://hygienepassport.fi/hygieniapassitesti/suomi

The agenda also included requirements for food-grade premises, such as what is needed for a hygienic space to produce food for sale. Packaging, labels, and their texts were also discussed.

The Suomi.fi website was also reviewed to show the opportunities available there regarding starting a business. This site is good to consult in the early stages of planning a business, as it contains various forms and documents (e.g., budgets, business plans, permit applications) needed to move forward in the process. Additionally, later in the process, it is advisable to seek out a local development company specializing in supporting new businesses and entrepreneurs.

As a small bonus, the day's discussion ended with one of the attendees bringing up the topic of picking berries and products from nature for sale. It was then noted that this activity is tax-free and that, for the most part, the right of public access applies, with certain exceptions. The exceptions are if you pick products from growing species, such as spruce or pine shoots, tap sap, etc., you must ask the landowner's permission.