A new and more powerful Loimu begins at the start of the year

As a result of the merger 1 Janurary 2026, Loimu’s 17,000 members and the Finnish Association of Academic Agronomists’ 5,700 members will form a union of nearly 23,000 members. Loimu will remain the ninth-largest member organisation within Akava. Both unions aim to strengthen and enhance the advocacy of their members. With the merger, members will receive even better and more impactful services.

The merger of Loimu and the Finnish Association of Academic Agronomists has been prepared on a fast schedule since early spring. In September, the councils of both unions held extraordinary meetings where the merger agreements were approved. The Finnish Association of Academic Agronomists labour market functions and member services will be transferred to Loimu as of 1 January 2026, and Loimu will also become the Akava-affiliated professional organisation for highly educated experts in the food sector. As a result of the merger, approximately 1,000 student members, 1,000 senior members, and about 3,700 full members will join Loimu.

After the turn of the year, the Finnish Association of Academic Agronomists will continue its activities as a renewed community for food-sector experts and as a member association of Loimu. In addition, the Finnish Association of Academic Agronomists has 23 member associations, which are recommended to join as member associations of Loimu.