Finlands svenska 4H

What Finlands svenska 4H does

Finlands svenska 4H is a registered Finnish non-profit association founded in 1929 that serves as the Swedish-speaking branch of the domestic 4H youth movement, operating exclusively across Swedish-speaking Finland (Svenskfinland) and Åland. The organization delivers a federated portfolio of programs through 11 local 4H-föreningar, structured as a developmental pipeline from childhood clubs (ages 7–12) through validated secondary courses (4H-Akademin) to youth employment and entrepreneurship. Core offerings include 4H-klubb, Matskolan food schools (21 locations in 2026), 4H Fiskeskolan, the Rejäl Handling agricultural plastic recycling program (running since 1975, ~43 million kg recycled), and 4H Arbetspooler, which mediated 13,778 work hours and 134,740 EUR in wages in 2025. Revenue is generated through membership fees, course fees (e.g., 130 EUR for tractor courses), Rejäl Handling recycling proceeds, 4H-företag insurance (30 EUR), and grants from foundations such as Svenska kulturfonden and Brita Maria Renlunds Stiftelse. Strategic delivery partners include Yara Suomi, SLC, SFV Studiecentral, Lassila & Tikanoja, Folkhälsan, and Rural Youth Europe, with the parent organization being Svenska lantbrukssällskapens förbund (SLF). The 23-employee central body operates with minimal technology infrastructure — no proprietary platform, no API, no mobile app — and depends on its local association network, validated course library, and long-running community partnerships as its primary operating assets.

Name

Finlands svenska 4H

Legal name

Finlands svenska 4H

Website

https://fs4h.fi

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Finlands svenska 4H is a Finnish non-profit youth association serving Swedish-speaking Finland and Åland, delivering 4H clubs, food schools, validated courses, and youth employment programs through 11 local associations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Work Exchange & Farmstay Programs (WWOOF/HelpX-Style) (EDAIAGAK)

akta.pro secondary industry

Waste, Recycling & Sustainability Services (EDAEAAAF)

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• Rural youth education
• Agricultural plastic recycling
• Vocational training courses
• Community youth clubs

Headquarters

HQ city

Helsinki

HQ country

Finland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership fees: Revenue from membership fees paid by youth members and their families to local 4H associations.
2. Rejäl Handling collection: The Rejäl Handling sack collection initiative generates revenue from agricultural plastic recycling. Proceeds support local 4H associations and youth work. Started in 1975 and has recycled approximately 43 million kilograms of agricultural plastic.
3. Youth employment pool services: 4H mediates work opportunities between young job seekers (14+) and local employers/households. The organization handles invoicing and wage payment, earning service fees from the arrangement. In 2025, 13,778 work hours were mediated totaling 134,740 euros in wages.
4. Course fees: Validated 4H courses (4H Körkortet till arbetslivet, 4H Företagaren, club leader training, tractor courses) generate revenue through participant fees. Tractor course is 130 euros per person including meals and insurance.
5. 4H-företag insurance: Voluntary liability insurance for young entrepreneurs aged 13-28 costs 30 euros, covering damage to persons and property up to 500,000 euros per incident.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Finlands svenska 4H is a Swedish-speaking youth organization in Finland that operates 4H clubs for children ages 7-12, validated courses with study credits, summer camps, food schools (Matskolan), fishing schools (Fiskeskolan), youth employment pools, and the 4H-företag youth entrepreneurship program. It also runs the Rejäl Handling agricultural plastic recycling collection, which has recycled approximately 43 million kilograms of plastic since 1975 and provides seasonal youth employment.

Product overview

Finlands svenska 4H operates as a unified youth organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of programs and activities for children and young people in Swedish-speaking Finland and Åland. The core offerings include 4H-klubb (clubs for ages 7-12) and 4H-Akademin, which provides validated courses with study credits covering leadership (4H Klubbledarutbildningen), entrepreneurship (4H Företagaren), work skills (4H Körkortet till arbetslivet), garden work (4H i Trädgården), and forestry (4H i Skogen). The organization runs seasonal programs including Matskolan (food schools), Fiskeskolan (fish schools), and solrostävlingen (sunflower competition). Youth employment is facilitated through 4H Arbetspooler (work pools) and the Rejäl Handling recycling program. The subsidiary Österbottens kaninhoppare operates rabbit hopping clubs and competitions. These programs are interconnected through the 4H-Akademin's competency badge and validation system, enabling youth to progress from clubs to employment to entrepreneurship within the same organizational ecosystem.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Matskolan: A food school program offering day camps where children ages 8-12 learn cooking, food journeys from farm to table, healthy eating habits, and physical activity. Coordinated by Finlands svenska 4H and implemented by local 4H associations in collaboration with SLC (Svenska lantbruksproducenternas centralförbund).
• 4H Fiskeskolan
• 4H-Akademin
• 4H Solrostävlingen
• Rejäl Handling
• 4H-Arbetspoolerna

Products and services

• 4H-klubb (4H Club) Clubs for children aged 7-12 where they learn new skills together through hands-on activities related to nature, animals, gardening, and crafts.
• Matskolan (Food School) Educational day camp where children ages 8-12 learn cooking, food journey from farm to table, healthy eating habits, and physical activity. In 2026, 21 food schools are organized by 4H associations in Swedish-speaking Finland and Åland, employing nearly 100 youth as assistant leaders.
• 4H Fiskeskolan (Fish School) Educational project strengthening children's and youth's sustainable learning through new experiences and practical fishing knowledge. Activities include camps, fishing days, and fishing competitions.
• 4H-solrostävlingen (Sunflower Competition) Annual competition where children grow sunflowers to compete on plant height and seed head circumference. Nearly 1,300 seeds distributed annually. Organized in collaboration with Sunds trädgård in Jakobstad.
• 4H-Akademin (4H Academy) Academy for youth offering leadership training, validated courses with study credits, and participation in Nordic and international activities. Youth can earn digital competency badges and validated course certificates.
• 4H Körkortet till arbetslivet (Driving License to Work) Validated course (0.5 study credits) for youth aged 13+ covering job seeking skills, work life competencies, and customer service. Includes handbook in easy-to-read format.
• 4H Företagaren (Youth Entrepreneurship) Validated course (7 study credits) for youth aged 13-28 providing hands-on entrepreneurship experience with a local 4H club mentor. Youth can earn a digital competency badge and course certificate.
• 4H Klubbledarutbildningen (Club Leader Training) Validated course (2 study credits) for youth aged 14+ to become club leaders. Includes a practical internship at a local 4H club under supervision.
• 4H i Trädgården (4H in the Garden) Validated course (2 study credits) for youth aged 14+ covering farm and garden work. Uses practical 'learning by doing' methodology in real work environments.
• 4H i Skogen (4H in the Forest) Validated course (2 study credits) for youth aged 14+ covering forest work including plant sites, common tree species, planting, and brush clearing.
• 4H Arbetspooler (Work Pools) Local work pools connecting youth aged 14+ with part-time work assignments including gardening, grass cutting, painting, and maintenance. In 2025, facilitated 13,778 work hours totaling 134,740 EUR in wages. Provides first employment experience and work life skills.
• Rejäl Handling (Sack Collection) Agricultural plastic recycling campaign started in 1975, collecting fertilizer, seed, and feed sacks for recycling. Approximately 43 million kg recycled to date. Employs approximately 100 youth annually across 200+ collection points in Finland. Partnership with Yara Finland as main sponsor, Lassila & Tikanoja for recycling.
• 4H Traktor- och maskinkurs (Tractor and Machine Course) Three-day tractor and machine handling course for youth aged 13+. Includes theory and practice, basic machine service, and tractor precision competition. Held at Västankvarn gård in Ingå, southern Finland. 130 EUR per person including course program, meals, and insurance. Maximum 12 participants (minimum 7).
• 4H Skogskurs med röjsåg (Forestry Course with Brush Cutter) Weekend forestry course with brush cutter for youth aged 13+. Held at Västankvarn gård in Ingå (southern Finland) in collaboration with Ingå 4H, Västankvarn gård, and Novia.
• 4H Sommarläger (Summer Camps) Summer camps organized by 4H associations providing meaningful activities during school breaks for children and youth.
• 4H-företag Voluntary Liability Insurance Voluntary liability insurance for young entrepreneurs aged 13-28 participating in the 4H-företag program. Costs 30 EUR annually, covering liability up to 500,000 EUR for personal injury and 5,000 EUR for property damage per incident. Deductible 300 EUR (1,000 EUR for lost keys).
• Österbottens kaninhoppare (Ostrobothnia Rabbit Hoppers) Club for children, youth and adults interested in rabbits in Österbotten. Organizes rabbit hopping shows, trainings, camps, and competitions. Part of Finlands svenska 4H network as a wholly-owned subsidiary.

Quantifiable outcome

• 13,778 work hours mediated to youth in 2025 (134,740 EUR in wages)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered supporting, core and major.

• Junttilan TilasupportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026New partner joining Rejäl Handling in 2026. Independent packing facility that participates in agricultural plastic recycling campaign as part of responsible business practices.
• SLC (Svenska lantbruksproducenternas centralförbund)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Matskolan food education program. SLC coordinates farm visits for children participating in food schools, connecting youth with local food producers. SLC communications chief Mia Wikström participates in program promotion.
• Yara SuomicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMain partner for Rejäl Handling agricultural plastic collection campaign. Yara handles transportation of collected sacks to recycling. Yara's Roland Westerberg states commitment to environmental and social responsibility through the partnership.
• SFV StudiecentralcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for validation of 4H courses and digital competence badges. SFV handles course validation through e-grunder system and provides study central resources for course materials and implementation.
• Suomen 4H-liitto (Finnish 4H Federation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational 4H federation partnership for shared youth development programs, international activities, and insurance programs. Fs4H is part of the unified Finnish 4H movement while maintaining Swedish-language identity.
• Lassila & TikanojamajorTechnology or IntegrationEnvironmental services company responsible for recycling of agricultural plastic collected through Rejäl Handling campaign. Converts collected sacks into new products including big bags, plastic casings, and bandages.
• Folkhälsan (Folkhälsans Förbund)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on developing symbol support for Matskolan and food education. Folkhälsan provides expertise in making educational materials accessible for all children including those with special needs.
• Rural Youth Europe (RYE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEuropean rural youth network for international cooperation, events, and policy advocacy. Fs4H and Suomen 4H-liitto are member organizations. Fs4H seeks Nordic representation on RYE board for Finnish youth.
• Landsbygdens Arbetsgivareförbund LAFsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartnership for training local 4H associations on youth employment regulations and best practices. LAF provides expertise on employing young workers in rural contexts.
• Novia naturbruksskolasupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerVocational rural school providing expertise for tractor and machinery courses for youth. Contributes instructors and practical training facilities.
• Hankkija, Lantmännen Agro, A-Rehu, Peltosiemen, Tilasiemen, Viljelijän BernersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerAgricultural sector partners participating in Rejäl Handling sack collection campaign. Support the campaign financially and operationally, enabling farmers to recycle plastic packaging.
• Sunds trädgård (Jakobstad)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGarden center and largest in Ostrobothnia. Supplier of sunflower seeds for 4H sunflower competition for over 24 years. Fredrik Sandström manages seed ordering, import, packaging, and distribution to 4H associations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Finnish Association for Nature Conservation (FANC) — youth programs: Finland's largest environmental NGO with youth/education initiatives including school programs and nature camps. Comparable in addressing children's environmental learning in Finland, but with a conservation rather than rural-livelihood lens.
• Ungdomens Nykterhetsförbund (UNF): Swedish-speaking Finnish youth organisation running clubs and educational programs across Svenskfinland. Operates in the same geographic and linguistic niche as Fs4H but with temperance/non-profit framing.
• SLC (Svenska lantbruksproducenternas centralförbund): Central union for Swedish-speaking Finnish agricultural producers and Fs4H's Matskolan farm-visit partner. Comparable as a Swedish-speaking rural organisation but focused on farmer advocacy rather than youth programming.
• Rural Youth Europe (RYE): European umbrella network for rural youth organisations of which Fs4H and Suomen 4H-liitto are members. Comparable as a thematic convening platform for international exchanges, policy advocacy, and rallies.
• Scouts Finland (Partio) — Guides and Scouts of Finland: Finnish scouting organisation providing youth programs rooted in outdoor, leadership, and community engagement. Comparable in delivering club-based experiential learning for ages 7+, though using a different global brand.

Direct peers

• Riksförbundet 4H Sverige: Swedish 4H national federation delivering the same model in Sweden, including clubs, Green Hand certification, and rural youth employment. Closest cross-border peer given shared language and Nordic institutional setting.
• Norges 4H: Norwegian 4H federation operating analogous programs (4H Norge, green entrepreneurship, work-experience placements). Share Fs4H's Scandinavian rural-youth scope and Nordic welfare context.
• Suomen 4H-liitto: The Finnish-language sister 4H federation, operating the same national brand and programs (clubs, work pools, validated courses) in Finnish-speaking Finland. Most directly comparable peer given shared 4H model and parallel program portfolio.

Broad incumbents

• National 4-H Council (USA): The largest 4H organisation globally, serving ~6 million US youth with hands-on learning in agriculture, civic engagement, and STEM. Provides a benchmark for governance scale and funding model beyond Fs4H's Nordic scope.
• Canadian 4-H Council: National Canadian 4H federation delivering youth development, agri-skills, and exchange programs across provinces. Comparable in mission and federated model; broader scale than Fs4H.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/finsv4h
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCfg591Q80FcVZeY-gcH7pXQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/Finlandssvenska4h
• Instagraminstagram.com/finlandssvenska4h
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/finlandssvenska4h

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Finlands svenska 4H