Pekka Haavisto – Patron of the Maaleipä Challenge

Member of Parliament Pekka Haavisto (Greens) joins IHME Helsinki Commission 2024 as Patron of the Maaleipä Challenge. The nationwide Challenge, devised by London-based artist duo Cooking Sections, calls for bread recipes that combine the wellbeing of the land, sea, people and climate.

The Maaleipä Challenge invites home bakers, bakeries, restaurants, schools and communities in Finland to bake Maaleipä breads from local, soil-friendly ingredients. Recipes will be accepted until 23:59 on 1 September 2024. For details of how to participate, visit the maaleipa.fi website.

The Challenge raises awareness of soil-friendly farming methods, crops and raw materials. It highlights farmers who care about the soil and environmental biodiversity, bakers of Maaleipä bread, and Finland’s diverse bread culture.

The Maaleipä challenge addresses themes that are familiar and dear to us Finns: home-grown food and respect for nature. These themes are a part of our history, and they are present today and will be in our future,

says Pekka Haavisto MEP.

The aim is to establish the word “maaleipä” in Finnish to describe bread made from ingredients that care for the land, the sea and people. The Challenge expands the current debate on food security to include land use and support for agriculture that sustains the health of the Baltic Sea, people and the environment.

We are delighted to have Pekka Haavisto MP as Patron of the Maaleipä Challenge. In addition to sharing common values that guide our actions, such as sustainability and equality, Pekka has actively and frequently highlighted the importance of art and culture in society. Art is an important social asset,

Paula Toppila IHME Helsinki Executive Director says.

At the Maaleipä Feast at Kellohalli in Helsinki on 21 September, a jury will select the five best breads and bakers. As Patron of the Challenge, Pekka Haavisto will present the €1000 main prize.