The earlier regional agricultural fairs were brought together under the Farmari umbrella for the first time in 1999.
This year’s themes include the farm as a growth enterprise and sustainable energy solutions.
There are stands for some 600 exhibitors. Handwork, agricultural plant and machinery, livestock, and items for fishermen and even for hiking and trekking.
Over the four days from Thursday to Sunday (the event ends on August 3rd), around 80,000 people are expected to attend. Thursday’s attendance was 18,700.
The City of Lahti anticipates that the gathering will bring income of roughly EUR 8 million into the area.
Farmari is arranged this year in the Lahti sports and Fair Centre, close to the famous ski-jumping hills. Next year’s fair will be in Kokkola on the West Coast.
Further details of the event from the www.farmari.net site, most of which is in Finnish.
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 1.8.2008
