Kirsi Vartia
Tourism specialist – Eastern Finland Rural Women’s Advisory Organization / ProAgria
Kirsi Vartia works in Eastern Finland as a food- and tourism specialist for the Rural Women’s Advisory Organization which is a nationwide expert organization in food, nutrition, entrepreneurship, rural landscape, and environment, in addition to being an extensive women’s network in the rural areas. She became and IGCAT expert (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism) in 2023.
When Kuopio celebrated its title as a European Region of Gastronomy in 2020-21, Kirsi worked on several projects promoting local food and gastronomy. She is particularly interested in developing top quality and food safety on farms. Her heart also beats warmly for traditional dishes and original species and their updating and keeping as a part of modern food culture. She also works as a tourist guide specialising in food tours in the Kuopio area.