FAMIGRO - An Award for Rural Entrepreneurship

The GROTENFELT family represents more than 350 years of diversified landowning in Finland. Famigro was founded by Karl GROTENFELT in 1985, a private company belonging to the family. In 2013, Karl created the Famigro Award, which is granted annually to a young (18 to 40) European countryside entrepreneur who has been making a special contribution to the rural economy, community and environment. Thanks to the initiative of Karl GROTENFELT, each year the YFCS can support an innovative project that has been operational for at least 2 years and provides answers to the current challenges of the rural sector.

Entrepreneurial projects contribute to the evolution of our rural countryside, while the respect of the environment and social responsibility are endorsed by each rural entrepreneur. The Famigro Award aims to improve the project’s success and growth by benefiting from the support of the network of the Friends of the Countryside (FCS) and Young Friends of the Countryside (YFCS), as well as the European Landowners’ Organization (ELO).

The winner will receive 5,000€, an article published in the Countryside Magazine and the opportunity to join the FCS & YFCS General Assembly in Stockholm, Sweden in June 2025.

Our applicants and winners in recent years come from a wide range of industries and countries who have achieved great innovations with their unique ideas. From an innovative bio-based soil additive to rebranding a family estate, to a Regenerative Farming community in Spain and more.

Previous winners include: Silvibio, Gut Waltersteig, La Junquera, Coconat, Coucoo, Wildernest Tiny House and Wignac Cidre.