Rain Kuldjärv receives the EestiMAA Heaks badge of honour

The Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce (EPKK) presented the award on 6 November 2026 during its 30th anniversary celebration in Rakvere. Rain Kuldjärv was one of eight people honoured for their contributions to Estonian agriculture, food production and rural life.

As chair of the assessment committee for the Chamber’s Pääsukesemärk quality label, Rain has helped uphold rigorous assessment standards and strengthen trust in Estonian food. To qualify for the label, products must use main ingredients from Estonia and pass laboratory and sensory assessments. He has also shared food science expertise with producers and chaired the Chamber’s conferences.

“This award also recognises the work of the entire TFTAK team in Estonia’s food sector,” said Rain Kuldjärv. He believes Estonian researchers should work with local food producers to put new discoveries and bold ideas into practice. At TFTAK, that starts with listening to the questions producers bring us and working together to find answers they can use.

We’re proud to work alongside Rain and grateful for how generously he shares his expertise.

We congratulate EPKK on its 30th anniversary and thank the Chamber for its longstanding work on behalf of Estonian agriculture, food production and rural communities. Since 1996, it has brought producers and processors together, represented their interests in Estonia and at EU level, and helped raise the profile of Estonian food. We also value its work to advance agricultural education and support the next generation of professionals.

Photo by Ain Liiva/Hetkpix