In the quiet expanse of Northern Ostrobothnia in Finland, where birch forests whisper with the wind and rivers carve ancient paths, Rita Porkka has built more than a business—she has created a movement. As the CEO and founder of Naturest Ltd, Rita has turned her lifelong love of nature into a force for education, well-being, […]
Rooted in the Forest: The Innovation Journey of Rita Porkka Read More »
It was during the FLIARA Community of Practice event in Ireland—buzzing with conversation, collaboration, and shared ideals—that we had the chance to sit down with Annette Harberink, a leading voice in biodynamic agriculture in the Netherlands. In a sea of innovation narratives, hers stands out not just for its vision but for its grit and
Annette Harberink: “Innovation Grows Where Values Take Root” Read More »
On the rolling green hills of Slovenia’s Primorska region, a modest former military guardhouse has been transformed into something extraordinary: a thriving hub of solidarity, learning, and global cooperation. At its heart is Petra Matos, a geographer whose life mission is as clear as the summer skies that stretch above her community project, Park Istra.
Petra Matos: Planting Seeds of Solidarity in Rural Slovenia Read More »
On the slopes of Santa Caterina dello Ionio in Italy, where the Ionian breeze carries stories of ancient rural life, Sofia De Matteis is rewriting the script of innovation—not with machines or silicon chips, but with donkeys, wild artichokes, and a feminist compass. Originally from Sicily, Sofia’s journey took her from the narrow alleys of
Rooted in Resistance: The Feminist Farm of Sofia De Matteis Read More »
In the heart of Baden-Württemberg, where fertile fields stretch towards the foothills of the Alps and the breeze carries a hint of Lake Constance’s freshness, an agricultural transformation is quietly taking root. At its centre stands Linda Kelly — organic farmer, innovator, and award-winning entrepreneur — who, alongside her husband and parents, is redefining the
From Lupins to Leadership: The Rural Innovation of Linda Kelly Read More »
Nestled in the rugged hills of Icod de los Vinos in northern Tenerife, Spain, a quiet revolution is unfolding—one led not with banners or slogans, but with beeswax and resilience. Natalia Díaz, biologist and ecological beekeeper, is the woman behind Ecoalpispa and La Abejera, two intertwined ventures that are redefining rural innovation, one eco-wrapping at
A Buzz of Change: Natalia Díaz and the Rural Revolution of Ecoalpispa Read More »
In the serene, green landscape of the Netherlands, Mieke Elzenga is quietly revolutionising the way communities interact with land and sustainability. As the founder of LiberTerra, a unique nature reserve and sustainable community, Mieke has become a beacon of innovation in rural development, showcasing how abandoned agricultural spaces can be transformed into thriving centres of
Mieke Elzenga: Redefining Rural Innovation through Sustainable Living Read More »
Alexandra Larsson is redefining an industry and empowering her community from a small town in central Sweden. Though she once dreamt of a globetrotting life, her calling emerged in the country’s tranquil rural expanse, where she embarked on a venture that would transform her initial ambitions into a new kind of success. “My name is
Beyond the Wheel: How Alexandra Larsson Is Reshaping Swedish Driving Education Read More »
In the heart of East Galway in Ireland, near the historic village of Aughrim, Blátnaid Gallagher is not just promoting local wool but also reviving a tradition that intertwines sustainability and heritage. Blátnaid, along with her husband Niall, has dedicated herself to the wool industry, transforming her ancestral farm into a hub of innovation and
In the rolling hills of Tumen, County Galway, one woman is revolutionising the landscape of Irish agriculture. Ursula Kelly, the dynamic Managing Director of Cormac Tagging, has taken her family’s agribusiness to new heights, blending tradition with innovation. As one of the FLIARA 20 ambassadors, Ursula is not only a leader in her field but
Pioneering Change in Rural Ireland: An Interview with Ursula Kelly Read More »
