Lina Vyšniauskaitė, a farmer from northern Lithuania, has transformed her 2006-established farm in Joniškis into a leading cold-pressed oil producer since 2019. Her primary focus is on hemp, flax, and milk thistle seed oils, which she grows and processes entirely on her family farm.
The production of these oils involves cold pressing, ensuring the preservation of their natural properties. Every stage, from seed cultivation to the final product, is meticulously supervised to guarantee exceptional quality. This commitment to excellence has positioned Lina’s oils as a healthy and natural choice for consumers seeking nutritious alternatives in their daily diets.
In addition to production, Lina is dedicated to educating the public about the benefits of these oils, which, although traditional, are less known among younger generations. Through workshops and community events, she shares knowledge about incorporating these products into everyday cooking, revitalising old recipes with a modern twist. “Currently, we are organising classes to teach people how to use products from rural areas in their daily lives, apply them in the kitchen, and use old recipes by producing something modern. For instance, we organise education events for baking tree cakes, making cheese, or cold-pressing oil.”
Family integration into farm activities is fundamental for Lina. Each family member contributes to the production process, strengthening family bonds and ensuring sustainable and efficient farm management. This family dynamic optimises production and creates a harmonious and collaborative working environment.
Lina has found that community support and lifelong learning are key to overcoming obstacles, such as initial lack of knowledge and balancing family responsibilities with work. She actively participates in the rural community of Stupurai, collaborating with other entrepreneurial women on projects that strengthen the local economy and promote social cohesion.
The adoption of modern technologies has been essential to her business model. Online sales of her products have expanded her reach, making it easier for consumers to access high-quality oils. Additionally, Lina shows a keen interest in artificial intelligence, exploring how these tools can enhance communication and efficiency in her agricultural business. “I am also highly interested in AI and have attended various courses. Believe it or not, it greatly helps communication, and I use these tools. I try to catch up with technologies. The Grass Ceiling Project has worked as a great motivation to enter online sales and start looking into new solutions, clients, and opportunities.”
Lina exemplifies how combining traditional agricultural methods with modern innovations can lead to success in the farming sector. Her dedication to quality, consumer education, and community integration makes her a remarkable role model for other farmers and rural entrepreneurs.