Construction of new experimental cowshed of Natural Resources Institute Finland in Jokioinen progresses

The Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) will replace the experimental cowshed in Minkiö, Jokioinen with a new one. The planning of the project and competitive tendering and planning the implementation of the construction work will be carried out during 2024. The construction of the new cowshed will take place in 2025 and the aim is to take it into use by the end of the year. 

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Sari Essayah is happy with the progress of the project: 
“Work on this project has been done for a long time and I have considered it very important to carry it through. The experimental cowshed in Jokioinen will now be brought up to date to meet the needs of high-quality research far into the future.” 

The current cowshed, built in 1982 and renovated and expanded in 1996, is at the end of its useful life. On 1 February 2024, the Ministerial Finance Committee decided in favour of concluding an administrative contract on a new cowshed with Senate Properties. The Senate Properties, which is responsible for central government premises and the development of work environments, will act as the developer in the cowshed construction project.

New cowshed supports the implementation of Luke’s strategic objectives

The cowshed will respond to a broad spectrum of research questions related to milk production, the genetics, metabolism, nutrition and wellbeing of dairy cows, and the latest technology. The cowshed will be a key part of national dairy cow research and will responds to both national and international research needs. The research topics are also strongly linked to Nordic and EU research. 

Economic impact

The annual expenditure under the new contract, including VAT, is EUR 1,535,482.00, which means that the total value over the 10-year period will be EUR 15,354,820.00 (VAT 24%). The costs incurred from the lease contract will be covered within the appropriations under the general government fiscal plans and Budgets. The project will serve the overall interests of central government. The funding required for purchasing equipment for the new experimental cowshed is included in the proposal of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for central government spending limits for 2025-2028, which are to be confirmed in March-April 2024. 

Inquiries 
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry: Mikko Peltonen, Research Director, tel. +358 295 162 296, mikko.peltonen(at)gov.fi
Natural Resources Institute Finland: Anu Kaukovirta, Vice President, Production Systems, tel. +358 295 322 151, anu.kaukovirta(at)luke.fi
Senate Properties: Henri Konttinen, Construction Manager, tel. +358 50 575 8074, henri.konttinen(at)senaatti.fi