Jalostus

Jalostus is a Finnish noun that denotes the act or process of refining, processing, or enhancing something from a raw or initial state into a more finished or valuable form. The concept spans several domains, including agriculture, industry, and the food sector, and its exact meaning depends on context.

In agriculture and animal husbandry, jalostus refers to selective breeding and genetic improvement aimed at enhancing desirable traits such as yield, quality, disease resistance, or adaptability. It encompasses planning, evaluating offspring, and implementing breeding programs (jalostusohjelmat).

In industry and mining, jalostus means the processing and refining of raw materials into more refined products. This includes ore beneficiation, chemical processing, and various value-adding steps in manufacturing and food production.

In Finnish discourse, the word is common in both public and professional contexts, with related terms such as jalostusmenettely, jalostusarvo, and jalostaja used to describe methods, the inherent value added, and the people carrying out the process.