In South Ostrobothnia, a lot of peat land is released as a result of the decline in peat production. In total, the peat production area in South Ostrobothnia is 14,000 hectares and there are about 150 peat entrepreneurs. Downsizing has both direct and indirect economic effects for the region. Simultaneously with energy peat production, growth and litter peat are obtained from the surface layers of the peatlands. The consequences of the decline in peat production are significant for the entire food chain in Southern Ostrobothnia. Peat is used as bedding on livestock farms, especially in broiler, cattle and horse farms. Peat is also the most common growing medium in greenhouse production, which is why gardens need new sustainable and domestic alternatives to peat. However, substitute domestic alternatives are scarcely available, which affects the costs and profitability of food production. In the long term, this will also affect the competitiveness and food security of the Finnish food chain. The project examines the role of peat as part of the food system. The measures look for alternatives to peat and explore different methods (following the DNSH principle) to produce materials that replace peat, looking at their entire value chain. In the development of materials that replace peat, it is also possible to find new, innovative materials that can be used, for example, in the construction industry. We will find out whether it is possible to cultivate plants that are suitable, for example, as bedding for livestock farms, as growing mediums for gardens, or as insulating materials, for example, in the areas that are no longer used for peat production, by raising the water level or using other sustainable methods. In addition, the entire peat-free food chain and the value chains of peat substitutes are examined, taking into account their environmental effects and socio-economic effects. The project supports the construction of a peat-free business ecosystem. Peat substitutes in growing media have been studied before, and there is researched information on, for example, the utilization of curd moss. In this project, we will further investigate how different bio-based materials are suitable as growth media. Southern Ostrobothnia has the most livestock farms in the whole of Finland, so better utilization of manure nutrients is justified from the point of view of the province and nutrient recycling as well. There are horticultural producers in the area, and the neighboring province of Ostrobothnia has Finland's largest concentration of horticulture, in Närpiö. In Finland, the drying of animals relies heavily on the use of peat. The litter used also has a big impact on production costs, emissions and farm operations. Along with peat, e.g. wood-based bedding, such as wood shavings, and straw. However, the use of alternative bedding materials has not become more widespread, partly due to the low price of peat, but also due to the lack of drainage properties of the materials, and availability problems. The requirements for peat replacement materials are high, and they may be different for different groups of animals. The use of bedding promotes the cleanliness, well-being and health of animals, and is thus an essential part of the ethical and bio-safe food chain. Previous studies, such as the Turveke project, show that several raw materials and their mixtures will be needed as replacement materials. The suitability of alternative raw materials can be improved by processing. Processing does not necessarily cause a significant climate burden in the raw material production chain. The project seeks and disseminates information about climate-friendly bedding materials that replace peat, which enable environmentally friendly, safe, ethical and cost-effective animal production in the future as well. In addition, the new materials should be suitable for use in the field in plant nutrition and as a soil conditioner, as the resulting amounts of litter manure are large.