Finland is reducing its grain reserves, and this has some people worried, according to Maaseudun Tulevaisuus.
The country's stockpiling agency, NESA, told the paper that Finland will reduce the size of its grain reserves this spring. Currently, these reserves cover around nine months' consumption, but this will be cut to six.
The move could potentially disrupt the market, according to the Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK).
The agricultural paper notes that Finland is going against the grain as the war in Ukraine continues to disrupt grain markets. Given the security situation, countries have generally wanted to enhance preparedness. According to MTK, Finland is now taking a different approach compared to its neighbouring countries, Sweden and Norway, which are only just beginning to stockpile grain.
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Time to vaxx
The winter's peak flu season is approaching, with seasonal influenza accounting for most respiratory admissions now, reports Ilta-Sanomat. This is unfortunate timing, especially as schools' winter holiday is almost here.
Eeva Ruotsalainen of Helsinki University Hospital's (HUS) epidemiology unit said it wasn't too late to get a flu vaccine.
"If you haven't gotten the vaccine yet, it's definitely still worth getting, even though flu season is already underway. The vaccine is the best way to prevent influenza," she told IS.
Flu vaccination coverage is currently 64 percent among those over 80 years and 58 percent among over-65s, falling short of European health authority targets exceeding 75 percent.
Tune in to the latest episode of the All Points North podcast, which explores ways to stay active — and healthy — this winter.
Listen to the episode via this embedded player, on Yle Areena, via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Pastries arrive
In more seasonal news, Hufvudstasbladet announces the start of Finland's pastry season, with both Runeberg Day, named after Finland's national poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg, and Shrove Tuesday rapidly approaching.
Runeberg pastries are a confection featuring jam and arrack, punch or bitter almond oil, often disappearing from shops and cafes after 5 February. This year, those who prefer cold treats can also enjoy the cake and the bun in ice cream form. That's because Närpes ice cream factory's flavors Runeberg and Shrove Bun have made their way to the capital region, HBL reports.
But what's the verdict? The paper's ice cream panel greenlights both of the exotic flavours, but the Runeberg ice cream — which includes Runeberg crumbles and a hint of bitter almond oil — was the clear favourite among the paper's tasters.
EDIT 13:04: Runberg pastries do not contain aniseed, as we originally and erroneously reported. This has now been corrected.
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