Located at Seemne 10a in Jõgeva, the new facility will expand METK’s Breeding Centre, which already includes a first building completed in 2019. The ground floor of the new building will house various laboratories and storage facilities, while the first floor will contain office space, biotechnology labs, and technical rooms. The building will support breeding work and research in agrotechnology, product development, and the cultivation of vegetable and grassland crops. Its construction is essential for the continued success of plant breeding in Estonia, which has been ongoing in Jõgeva for decades.
Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, emphasized the significance of the expansion: "Vital plant breeding work has been carried out in Jõgeva for decades, and I’m pleased that this important work is receiving a modern boost. This investment is a strategic contribution to Estonia’s food security and the long-term competitiveness of our agriculture. The new building will offer world-class conditions for our researchers to develop climate-resilient crop varieties, helping ensure a diverse and locally produced food supply in the future.”
According to Andre Veskioja, Director of METK, the second building of the Breeding Centre will help increase the value of Estonian agricultural production. “METK is a science-based partner for both farmers and public authorities. By solving the daily practical challenges of producers, we help identify what and how to grow under Estonia’s specific conditions,” he said.
Tarmo Leppoja, Chairman of the Management Board at Riigi Kinnisvara, highlighted the design’s long-term efficiency: “The new building will be sustainable, energy-efficient, and user-friendly over the long term. It meets the requirements of a modern working and research environment. The design ensures low maintenance costs and offers flexible space solutions that support collaboration.”
To optimize cost-efficiency, the architectural concept features a compact and simple form with a minimal perimeter. Openings are sized for optimal energy performance. The building includes energy-saving technical systems and durable, low-maintenance materials suitable for intensive use.
Spaces within the building are designed for adaptability. All work areas benefit from natural light and minimal fixed furnishings. Laboratories and storage rooms include universal lighting and versatile furnishing options, allowing them to be repurposed as offices or reconfigured into different workspace layouts as needed.
The second building of METK’s Breeding Centre is expected to be completed in spring–summer 2026. It will have a net enclosed area of 2,208 m², with a total project cost of just over €7 million (excluding VAT). The design was created by architects Karli Luik, Johan Tali, Harri Kaplan, and Priit Rannik of Molumba OÜ, with interior design by Katy Seppel. The construction is being carried out by Ehitustrust OÜ and supervised by Keskkonnaprojekt OÜ.
The METK campus in Jõgeva already includes the Breeding Centre’s first building (completed in 2019), a multifunctional hall (completed in 2023), and an energy-efficient greenhouse (opened in 2024). A new main building is planned for the future at Muru Street 5.
The Centre of Estonian Rural Research and Knowledge (METK) is a national research and development institution formed in 2023 through the merger of the Estonian Crop Research Institute and the Agricultural Research Centre. It operates under the Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture.
