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Opportunities for farm diversification can make the young stay

Better prospects for young people in rural areas to exploit entrepreneurial opportunities may help making them stay, contributing to growth and prosperity of the rural communities. A new policy brief provides recommendations for farm diversification for a vibrant future for the Nordic and Baltic countryside.

 

A new policy brief from the Bioeconomy Programme (a strategic project of the Nordic Council of Ministers, managed by SNS and NKJ) presents initiatives and challenges related to young rural entrepreneurs in the Nordic and Baltic region. The aim is to improve policy-makers’ understanding of farm diversification when designing policies to attract and incentivise young people to live and work on the countryside.

The policy brief gives a view on the obstacles for making the youth stay in the countryside, as well as it gives examples of farm diversification and solutions to the problem.

The policy brief gives the following policy recommendations:

Expand funding mechanisms
•  Expand direct subsidies and low-interest loans that focus on young farmers who aim to diversify their businesses to lower barriers such as access to land and equipment. This recommendation focuses on attracting, retaining and enabling young entrepreneurs in rural areas to explore new business opportunities and farm diversification.

Spread awareness of the potential of working within the bioeconomy
• Initiate public campaigns to provide a spotlight to young, rural entrepreneurs with a highlight on female entrepreneurs, and their diversified businesses. This recommendation focuses on making rural entrepreneurship more attractive to young people, emphasizing the unique value propositions and potential of rural lifestyles, and showcasing female entrepreneurs as role models to inspire other women to become farm successors.

Facilitate knowledge sharing and build a stronger group identity
• Support existing youth clusters, such as young farmers associations and coordinate new cross-regional events that bring together young farmers and rural entrepreneurs from across the Nordic-Baltic region. This recommendation focuses on facilitating knowledge sharing, networking opportunities, and building a stronger group identity among young rural entrepreneurs.

Investigate how to lower the high regulatory burden on diversified farms
• Launch a comprehensive study to investigate what support or training programs, financial assistance, or regulatory streamlining measures are needed to reduce the regulatory burden on diversified farms. This recommendation focuses on supporting diversified farms and encouraging farm diversification by lowering the deterring impact of high compliance and regulatory demands, such as health and safety standards or environmental regulations.

 

Download the policy brief for free!

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Nine new networks will work for Nordic benefit

Nine new research networks will work towards Nordic benefits and progress in agriculture and food over the next two years, supported by NKJ. The NKJ board has now decided which networks will receive funding after the latest call for proposals.

 

 

The number of applications was high, and they were well-written with important focus areas, making the selection process challenging. The board had a demanding task in balancing the budget. In the end, nine networks were granted funding for their upcoming collaboration.

See the list below for a brief overview of what the networks will be working on!

Nordic network for food control research
The long-term aim of the network is to increase the science-based knowledge in food control, which will ultimately benefit consumer safety and fair treatment of food businesses. This will be achieved by facilitating food control research across disciplines, initiating research collaboration resulting in international research funding applications and increasing transdisciplinary collaboration between academia, food control authorities and food businesses.
Nordic Alternative Protein Knowledge and Innovation Network (NAPKIN)
The NAPKIN network wants to position Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway as key actors in protein transition, which leads to economic growth as well as increased health and well-being of the people and the planet. The aim is to establish a viable Nordic network of researchers and stakeholders, fostering the exchange of ideas and knowledge, and facilitating joint funding applications at both the Nordic and EU levels, to address knowledge/research gaps collaboratively and strengthen the region’s common capabilities.
Fimbulwinter wheat – creating a team with a plan to adapt winter wheat for difficult winters
The long-term aim of the network is to deepen understanding of important traits for increased stability of winter wheat cultivation in the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Network for Nordic Landrace Sheep Wool (NordWool)
The long-term aim of the network is to enhance sustainable use of Nordic sheep breeds, emphasizing wool quality to balance the current focus on meat production. By promoting the often-overlooked role of wool, the project contributes to a more holistic utilization of these genetic resources. T
Nordic berry research network
The long-term aim is to establish a research forum for the mutual exchange of knowledge across a wide range of issues and challenges related to both wild and cultivated berries. This approach will enable the identification and utilization of synergies between existing resources while fostering the creation of new ones.
Cultivated muscle-cell based food (CMBFood)
The network gathers a diverse group of stakeholders (including scientists working with all aspects of cultivated meat), to support a holistic exchange of ideas and knowledge, and joint applications for research in cultivated muscle-cell based food, with special focus on the end-product, in the Nordic countries.
Healthy udders through a herd health perspective
The long-term aim of the network is to enhance health, welfare and milk quality of dairy cattle as the basis for long-term sustainability of dairy farms in the Nordic countries. Furthermore, this collaborative network aims to enhance competitiveness and profitability of the Nordic dairy production and safe dairy products for the consumers.
NORDIC-BALTIC Research Network on Organic Food and Farming
The network will arrange a scientific in-person conference directed towards the Nordic-Baltic organic research, and relevant stakeholder, community. The aim of the conference is to share and discuss recent research outcomes within organic food and farming and its societal interactions – dialogue and cooperation between stakeholders are necessary for implementation of research.
Understanding plastic pollution in agrifood systems to protect agriculture and health: The AGRIFOODPLAST Network
The network will strengthen the Nordics’ role in shaping EU policies on soil protection and food safety regarding plastic and chemical additive pollution, drive innovation in Nordic and EU research agendas, coordinate Nordic research efforts and integrate plastic pollution into broader agricultural sustainability analyses.

 

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How the Nordic Baltic regions can manage the challenges in plant nutrition supply

The Nordic bioeconomy faces significant challenges in securing access to plant nutrition. To address these issues, the Bioeconomy Programme, led by Nordic Agri Research (NKJ), Nordic Forest Research (SNS) and funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, has published a new report.

The report maps ongoing initiatives, identifies key challenges, and proposes preliminary policy measures to ensure a stable and sustainable plant nutrition supply in the Nordic and Baltic regions.

Background of the report

Global food production depends heavily on a stable supply of plant nutrition. Disruptions in this supply chain can have severe consequences for food security. Against this backdrop, the Bioeconomy Programme initiated a study to:

  • Map ongoing initiatives and activities aimed at securing plant nutrition supply in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
  • Identify risks and challenges associated with these initiatives.
  • Propose preliminary policy actions to strengthen self-sufficiency and reduce vulnerabilities.

Key findings and conclusions

The report reveals that several promising initiatives are under development, particularly in Sweden, with the potential to significantly reduce reliance on imported plant nutrition. These initiatives vary in scale and timeframe, with some already in production and others planned to launch before 2030.

Despite these positive developments, the report identifies several key challenges:

  • Uncertainty about future demand: Producers express concerns about whether consumers are willing to pay for fossil-free but potentially more expensive products.
  • Dependence on imported raw materials: Many initiatives rely on imported inputs, which can create vulnerabilities during global supply disruptions.
  • Access to green electricity: The increased demand for renewable energy may lead to bottlenecks, particularly in northern Sweden, where many projects are concentrated.
  • Regulatory barriers: Existing legislation and permit processes are often not adapted to new and innovative technologies, causing delays in implementation.

Recommended policy actions

To address these challenges, the report suggests several policy measures:

  • Establish common goals and strategies: Develop a unified vision for plant nutrition supply in the Nordic and Baltic regions.
  • Introduce economic incentives: Provide subsidies for fossil-free production and/or taxation on traditional, more environmentally harmful methods.
  • Reform regulations: Adapt legislation and permit processes to facilitate the implementation of new technologies.
  • Create networks and platforms: Promote collaboration among key stakeholders through Nordic/Baltic networks for knowledge exchange and joint development.

By implementing these measures, the Nordic and Baltic countries can strengthen their self-sufficiency in plant nutrition, reduce vulnerabilities to global disruptions, and foster a sustainable bioeconomy in the region.

For more detailed information, you can access the full report here.

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CANCELLED: Nordic Conference on the Challenges of Land Use

THE CONFERENCE IS CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

 

How can we balance the multiple needs of land use in the Nordic region? Nordic Agri Research (NKJ) and Nordic Forest Research (SNS) invite you to a conference where challenges and opportunities in land use will be discussed from both research and policy perspectives.

The Nordic Land Use Conference
– solutions for sustainable land use in the Nordic region
Place: Hótel Varmaland, Borgarnes, Iceland
Time: May 7, 2025
Programme: scroll down

 

 

The conference aims to engage researchers and civil servants in a dialogue on national policy needs related to land use. Therefore, participants from the political sector, research organizations, and other relevant stakeholders are welcome.

The program will begin with a presentation of the upcoming report “Changes to Agricultural Land Use in the Nordic Countries – and Future Prospects for Collaboration”, providing an overview of changes in land use and future opportunities for collaboration. This will be followed by keynote speakers who will delve into the conference’s overarching theme.

The conference will then continue with thematic sessions that delve deeper into current issues. These sessions will bring together research projects and policy examples from the Nordic countries, with discussions led by experienced moderators to foster a dynamic and constructive dialogue.

Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in this important conference and contribute to the development of more sustainable land use in the Nordic region!


Register here THE CONFERENCE IS CANCELLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE 
Registration fee is 1.500 SEK and includes lunch, conference refreshments and a three course dinner.

Target group
Developers or owners of concrete examples within the themes and current and potential users of them (this includes researchers, state officials, municipal workers, interest groups, intergovernmental organisations and private land owners, primarily in the Nordic region).

 

Preliminary program:

09:00–09.30 Registration

09:30–09:45 Opening statement

09:45–10.00 Presentation of report and purpose of conference

10:00–10:45 Keynote speaker 1

10:45–11.00 Coffee break

11:00–11:45 Panel discussion: The role of land use planning in preparedness

12.00–13.00 Lunch and networking

13.00–15:00 Thematic session 1 & 2 (parallel), see information below

15:00–17:00 Thematic session 3 & 4 (parallel) see information below

17.15 – 17.45 Conclusions & sum up

18:30 Networking dinner

 

Thematic sessions
Each thematic session will engage the participants in a discussion on solutions and challenges to get there within the chosen topic. The session will begin with 2-3 presentations of best practices, tools and models which will be followed by a workshop.

 Thematic session 1
Managing conflicting policy goals in land use management – Energy production

Description: The first two sessions will look into different tools, models and conclusions made from different parts of the Nordic region on how to handle conflicting policy goals and how various considerations and land-use interests can be balanced. This session will specifically focus on photovoltaics, how they can co-exict within landscapes, strategies and guidelines for handling the increased demand for photovoltaics.

Thematic session 2
Managing conflicting policy goals in land use management – functional landscapes

Description: The first two sessions will take a look into different tools, models and conclusions made from different parts of the Nordic region on how to handle conflicting policy goals and how various considerations and land-use interests can be balanced. This session will specifically focus on functional landscapes, for example the potentials of increasing biodiversity within a production landscape and steering instruments to prioritize between different national and international policy goals.

Thematic session 3
Spatial tools to support decision- and policymaking

Description: Spatial data, analysis and models can offer knowledge foundation to make decisions in high complexity situations. This session includes how to meet the challenge of data security, potentials of combinations of spatial data and sources and investigating how the establishment of the EU soil monitoring can be utilized for land use planning.

Thematic session 4
Multistakeholder dialogues in land use planning

Description: Dialogues can serve as a powerful tool to balance private and public interests in land use and to increase acceptance for land use changes amongst actors within a landscape. Improved cooperation between different stakeholders can also increase the likelihood that synergies in land use are exploited. This session explores local examples of stakeholder dialogues in the Nordic region and looks into the results and key learnings of them, to ultimately consider how these models and tools can be scaled or transferred to other parts in the Nordic region.

 

Organisers
Nordisk Kommitté för Jordbruks- och matforskning (NKJ) and SamNordisk Skogsforskning (SNS) / funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers

 

Background
During the Nordic Committee of Senior Officials for Fisheries, Aquaculture, Agriculture, Food and Forestry (EK-FJLS Agriculture and Forestry) meeting in Hardanger in April 2022, land use conflicts related to food production and agricultural land were discussed. The committee members recognised that agricultural and arable land is a limited resource, and that strategies and political guidelines to limit agricultural land loss and ensure food security while also ensuring that other national needs are met differ among Nordic countries. Following this discussion, Nordic Agri Research (NKJ) and Nordic Forest Research (SNS) were assigned to provide the committee with further knowledge on the situation of agricultural land and how agricultural land use disputes are handled in the Nordic countries. The results from this upcoming report form the foundation for this conference.

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OPEN CALL for networks in reindeer husbandry: apply by March 28, 2025

Nordic Agri Research (NKJ) invites researchers to apply for funding to establish networks in reindeer husbandry for the period 2025–2027.

 

With this call NKJ aims to strengthen Nordic collaboration and promote knowledge exchange across national borders through workshops, conferences, and seminars. Transdisciplinary networks connecting researchers and stakeholders are especially encouraged.

Funding details and requirements
Approved networks may receive up to 300,000 SEK from NKJ, covering up to 50% of the total network budget. To qualify, networks must include participants from at least three countries and three research institutions in the Nordic region. Networks must also emphasize gender balance, with a minimum of 40% representation from each gender. NKJ also welcomes persons of other genders to apply. The networks also have to actively involve PhD students and early-career researchers.

Key focus areas
Reindeer husbandry is a cornerstone of the Nordic Arctic economy, Sami culture, and regional bioeconomy. However, it faces critical challenges due to climate change, land-use changes, and increasing predation pressure. Networks focusing on these challenges will be prioritized. Networks addressing other aspects of reindeer husbandry are also welcome to apply.

Expected outcomes
Funded networks are expected to contribute to the Nordic community by, for example:

  • Facilitating knowledge exchange through events and publications
  • Producing policy recommendations and research applications
  • Supporting the development of tools such as databases or communication platforms

Application process
Applications must be submitted via the NKJ website by March 28, 2025, at 24:00 CET. A detailed application form, including a description of aims, activities, participants, and budget, is required. Funding decisions will be announced in April 2025.

Application form (deadline March 28, 2025)

Call text

 

CONTACT
For more details and to access the application form, visit the NKJ website or contact the NKJ secretariat at .

 

About NKJ
NKJ is a Nordic collaboration body under the Nordic Council of Ministers. Its mission is to promote knowledge-based agriculture and food research, including reindeer husbandry, across the Nordic countries.

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Hack the future of sustainability: Join the Nordic-Baltic bioeconomy hackathon

In the face of climate change, the Nordic Council of Ministers is promoting the bioeconomy as a meaningful career path to drive environmental sustainability. To support this goal, we are hosting a hackathon where university students from the Nordic and Baltic region will collaborate in teams to tackle real-world challenges in the bioeconomy.

APPLY HERE

 

We are excited to offer your students the opportunity to participate in an in-person Hackathon focused on developing innovative ideas for the bioeconomy. ​

This Hackathon brings together students from the Nordic and Baltic region who share an interest in sustainability, agriculture, forestry, and marine ecosystems. Participants will collaborate in teams to tackle real-world challenges in these fields, guided by expert coaches from the industry. This hands-on experience will deepen their understanding of key issues and equip them with practical problem-solving skills.

Join the Hackathon to be part of the solution to some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and unsustainable food systems. By participating, you’ll collaborate with other students from the Nordic and Baltic regions to tackle real-world bioeconomy challenges, contributing directly to the green transition. 

This Hackathon is part of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Bioeconomy program, driven by Nordic Forest Research (SNS) and the Nordic Joint Committee for Agricultural and Food Research (NKJ). It’s an opportunity to gain hands-on experience, connect with like-minded peers, and make a meaningful impact in shaping a sustainable future for rural areas. 

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About the Hackathon​

  • Teamwork: You’ll work in teams of four. You can apply individually or with a team, but team selection is not guaranteed for all applicants. If your full team is not selected, you’ll have the chance to join a team with other students.​
  • Challenge Areas: Teams will work on challenges related to agriculture, forestry, or marine ecosystems.​
  • Virtual Kick-Off: A virtual session will be held about a month before the event to introduce teams, kick off the Bioeconomy Hackathon, and begin formulating challenges.​
  • Timeline: Teams will have time to do preparatory work on their challenges from the kick-off until the Hackathon, which will be held on May 27–28 at the Bioeconomy Campus in Saarijärvi, Finland.​
  • Event Highlights: During the Hackathon, you’ll pitch your solutions during coaching sessions with industry experts and refine your ideas. The event concludes with a final pitching session to a jury. Price for the winning teams will be announced in a later stage.
    ​
     

You are 

  • Having an interest in sustainability, agriculture, forestry, or marine ecosystems. 
  • A university student in the Nordic and Baltic region, studying computer science, engineering, agriculture, forestry, marine sciences, bioenergy, environmental studies, or a related field. 

Practical Information​

  • Travel arrangements will ensure arrival the day before and departure the day after the event (subject to change).​
  • Meals will be provided, offering opportunities to network with fellow students, mentors and industry professionals.​
  • Participants will be selected based on geographic and educational background, gender diversity and motivation.
    ​

Application Details​

  • Students are accepted on a rolling basis, so apply early to secure your spot! Applications close at 28 February, but seats are limited. ​
  • Selected participants will receive additional practical information.​
  • Submit your application via the link in the form.​

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Don’t miss this chance to contribute to a sustainable future while gaining valuable experience and networking opportunities!​

Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions to ​

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About AgriVenture Finland​

  • An event where 500 participants is expected, and a change to explore the latest innovations in sustainable food production, connect with leading companies in the field. Listen to inspiring keynotes and startup pitches and build meaningful networks.​
  • Read more about the Agriventure​

About the Organizers​

  • The Hackathon is hosted and organized by JAMK with support from The Nordic Joint Committee for Agricultural and Food Research (NKJ), Nordic Forest Research (SNS) and Nordic Testbed Network.​
  • The Hackathon is funded by the Bioeconomy program within the Nordic Council of Ministers.​
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Matchmaking for researchers in agriculture and food – and a funding opportunity

NKJ has an open call for networks in agriculture and food. We want as many nordic researchers as possible to exchange knowledge, therefore we arrange a matchmaking event for you to find new colleagues, to elaborate your scientific project further and to get inspired.

 

When: December 10 2024, 13.30–16.00 CET
Where: Online via Zoom, link will be sent out in advance of the meeting
Registration: Register by filling out the form. Registration closes at December 6, 17.00 CET.

Welcome to join our online matchmaking event, to find out more about how to apply for funds from Nordic Agri Research (NKJ), hear from an ongoing network how they use their collaboration platform, and connect with other researchers who are looking for collaboration opportunities!

You will be inspired by a coordinator of an ongoing research network who will talk about what type of activities they have organised, what they have achieved so far and how they have benefitted from collaborating in the Nordic region. NKJ will also inform you about the current open call that can fund your future networking activities.

AGENDA
13.30 Welcome and presentations
13.50 How to apply for funds from NKJ – tips and tricks
14.10 Inspiration talk from an ongoing Nordic research network, Ievina Sturite (NIBIO), CoverCropsNordic
14.30 Networking workshop with Malin von Essen
16.00 Finish


CONTACT
If you have any questions, send an email to 

 

 

 

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OPEN CALL 2025: Funding opportunity for agricultural and food researchers

NKJ now welcomes applications from researcher networks in all aspects of food and agriculture, as part of their 60-year anniversary in 2025. By this call, NKJ wants to promote Nordic and transdisciplinary collaboration.

 
Deadline for application: 31 januari 2025
Apply by filling in the application form below and sending it to  
 
The aim of the call is to promote Nordic collaboration between researchers from agricultural and food sectors by networking activities including workshops, conferences and seminars. Transdisciplinary networks between researchers and stakeholders are encouraged. This open call welcomes applicants from all fields of research within food and agriculture.
 
NKJ will host an online matchmaking event on December 10 2024 (information and registration here), where you will be able to connect with other researchers who are looking for collaboration opportunities. This event will also include information on the open call and an opportunity to ask questions.
 
It is also possible to find information on previously funded networks on NKJ’s website.
 

To have the chance to be granted, the network should include applicants from at least three Nordic countries. Each gender must be represented by a minimum of 40% of the participants in the network, and NKJ welcomes applicants and participants of other genders. Young researchers should be included in the network. 

Network outputs should be useful for the Nordic community and should include knowledge exchange across national borders through e.g. arranging workshops, seminars/webinars, scientific meetings or open conferences. The funding can be used to bring additional value to ongoing research projects through mentioned activities.

Successful applicants may receive funds from NKJ of up to 300.000 SEK for two years of network activities from April 2025 to March 2027, covering at most 50% of the total budget for the network. The total budget for the call is 2.000.000 SEK.

This call is open for applicants from all fields of research within food and agriculture!

Call text

Application form

NKJ strategy

Gender equality guidelines

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Join the Nordic-Baltic Food Systems Conference and Policy Forum

The conference “Challenging Intersections: Securing Sustainable Food Systems in Turbulent Times” will take place in Helsinki, Finland, 26-27.5.2025. Please save the dates, registration opens February 1, 2025!

 

Food systems face multiple and by large, intertwined challenges. Climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution call for immediate actions across the food system, from the fields to the plates. At the same time the geopolitical turbulences have raised food security concerns to the political agendas of the European states and the European Union. The meaning of food for our wellbeing and health is unquestionable and calls for stronger appreciation across society and by the people.

Dealing with such complex problems is a challenge for both research, policy makers, and food system actors. The intertwined challenges cannot be solved by focusing on a single element of the food system, or by a specific sectoral policy or individual scientific discipline. The 1st Nordic-Baltic food systems conference and policy forum invites researchers, policy makers and food system actors to take stock on the challenges related to securing sustainability food systems, share experiences across the Nordic and Baltic countries and look for innovative solutions and future collaborations.

Please find information and more detailed programme of the conference and policy forum here.

The call for papers is open until 17th January 2025.

The scientific committee welcomes all interested researchers, policy makers and food system actors to join the transdisciplinary discussions. Please distribute the call widely in your networks!

You are also welcome to join the LinkedIn group of Nordic-Baltic Network of Transdisciplinary Food Systems Research (NFN), which we have just opened. The aim of the NFN is to foster collaboration amongst Nordic-Baltic researchers, food system actors and policy makers on transdisciplinary food systems research. The network is open to all interested.

 

On behalf of the Nordic-Baltic scientific committee,

Minna Kaljonen, chair of the scientific committee and the conference, research professor, Finnish Environment Institute

Juha Helenius, co-chair of scientific committee and food policy forum, professor, University of Helsinki

 

Contact

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Become an ambassador for gender equality – join our webinar and find out how

The forestry and agricultural sectors are two of the Nordic region’s most gender-segregated sectors. At the same time, they constitute a significant part of the economies.

The ongoing digital transformation in these sectors risks strengthening the existing power structure since both professionals active in digital technologies and university educations are also male dominated.

We have to change that! We have to change it so that all people have the right and opportunity to do what they want, but also because the sectors need more labour and it is stupid to leave half the populations out of question.

Therefore we hereby announce our free webinars aimed at empowering university teachers and researchers to promote gender equality within the bioeconomy sector. Join us for a 30-minute session where you will discover:

  • The Bioequality project: mission and goals
  • Introduction to the Method manual: be an agent of change in gender inequality during your lectures
  • Interactive Q&A session and discussion: share your thoughts and find out everything you need to start a positive change

Choose one of these dates:
• November 21:  12.30-13.00 CET
• November 22: 12.30-13.00 CET
• December 2: 15.00-15.30 CET

Register here

 

BACKGROUND
THE METHOD MANUAL The ambition with the manual was to create an accessible guide for teachers and students to incorporate a layer of gender issues into digitalisation topics within academic degrees in forestry and agricultural management.

This was pursued as an effort to tackle the extensive inequality within the sectors. The rising digitalisation of the sector, with increasing demand for typically male-dominated competences related to information technology and data analysis accentuates the problem with gender inequality, in itself being remarkably inequal.

The webinars are commissioned as a follow-up project to maximise the value generated in the previous project, with the primary goal being to maximise the reach of the method manual.

The target audience includes researchers on faculties for forestry and agriculture or applied information technology within academic institutions.

The method manual was produced as part of the Bioequality project led by SNS and NKJ during 2020 and 2021.