Students from the Nordic and Baltic countries gathered at Agriventure in Finland to take part in a hackathon themed around bioeconomy and digitalization. Sparkling creativity, confidence in the future, and joy were mixed, resulting in a winning idea, and several other fully feasible solutions.
The students had been divided into five teams in advance, each receiving a bioeconomic knot to untie. Over the course of a month, they worked on their ”problem” remotely, before meeting up to further develop and refine their solutions at Agriventure. One key requirement was to integrate digitalization into their ideas.
The topics addressed in the hackathon were:
• Biodiversity: The Key to Resilient Agriculture
• Forest Futures: Adapting to Extreme Weather in the Nordic and Baltic Regions
• Sustainable Aquaculture in the Nordic and Baltic Region
The atmosphere at the hackathon was positive, with a strong focus on finding and refining solutions and arriving at an idea that could be realized. Each team had a mentor who helped to question, identify gaps, and support the development of an implementable solution. The solution had to address a real challenge and have a financially sustainable foundation.
The winning team, Charvest, worked on the problem that fish sludge is dumped into the sea. That harms marine ecosystems and is also a costly burden for aquaculture farms. The team came up with the idea of drying the fish sludge using waste heat from data centers, and then selling it as a fertilizer for agriculture. This would benefit and profit everyone, including the seabed!
The prize for the winner includes a trip to get even closer to a practical application of the idea, for example to a testbed or a company relevant to the topic. Congratulations to the winners and good luck with nurturing the idea!
– We wanted to give young people a chance to test their ideas and creative power, but also to move forward with real solutions to real problems. A hackathon was the best way to combine the two, says Jonas Rönnberg, SNS Secretary General.
All five teams came up with solutions to their problem statements that were grounded in reality and possible to develop further. Utilizing all the coffee grounds produced in cafés and restaurants every day and turning them into something valuable for the bioeconomy and environment instead of seeing them as waste feels like real progress. Creating a new food product to increase the use of mussels, which in turn help purify seawater, is also a creative idea that we would benefit from if it became reality.
NKJ and SNS want to thank all participants for your work, creativity, and the time you’ve invested. We hope you move forward with your ideas so that we can eventually see them put into practical use!
The hackathon was organized by the Bioeconomy Program, run by NKJ and SNS, and financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
To celebrate NKJ’s 60th anniversary, we organised a panel discussion to highlight the connection between research, policy and practice. One conclusion was that dialogue between researchers, decision-makers and farmers needs to improve, and for that to happen, arenas are needed.
In the panel: Minna Kaljonen, Mika Mustonen, Lars E. Olsson, Hans de Neergaard, Carlo Aall. The panel was moderated by Professor of Practice Kaisa Karttunen, University of Helsinki.
During the 60 years that NKJ has existed, our main task has been to create such arenas, not least by funding networks where researchers can meet and also meet various stakeholders. We also work on building bridges between research and decision-makers through our advisory role towards Nordic Council of Ministers.
– The panelists highlighted the importance of this networking between the Nordic research institutions, where NKJ and SNS can be the initiator, says Kaisa Karttunen, professor of practice at the University of Helsinki and moderator of the panel discussion.
The discussion on how research should reach decision-makers, and how we should formulate research results so that it becomes appealing and useful for decision-makers and practitioners, is an old one.
– Obviously it’s not yet smooth. The policy planners and the decision makers don’t think they get new knowledge in a way that is useful for them, and the researchers on the other hand have the feeling that they don’t get heard and the their results are not put into practice. There obviously are problems there!
The panelists emphasised that dialogue is the solution to the problem, and they also wanted to reach out to the farmers. The farmers in the panel also wished to be part of the dialogue.
– The researchers need to be informed about what the problems are, so they can direct the research towards the right end. But the different needs don’t meet, says Kaisa Karttunen after listening to the panelists.
The panelists suggested that there should be special institutions for enabling discussions between the different parties, to identify the research questions, and to talk about financing and prioritizations. But there would also be a need for more informal arenas for meetings where participants could discuss, for example, research results.
– Not all researchers have to be excellent communicators, but there is a need for people who specialise in presenting research results to policy planners.
But why is the gap so wide? Why is it so difficult to find functioning paths for researchers and policy planners and decision makers to find each other?
– The amount of new knowledge is so huge! And of course, every researcher thinks that their results are the most important. But the policy planner has specific needs, and there is a big gap there. It is also about packaging the knowledge so that it is easy to digest for those who are supposed to receive it.
It is also important that research is free and not governed by the opinions or interests of various stakeholders. The panel believed that researchers will manage this, it is their profession to maintain independence.
– There is of course some cherry picking, says Kaisa Karttunen.
– Policy makers may need education so they know how to use the research results. They also have a responsibility to remain open and not do this cherry picking.
With the discussion, we were able to highlight how important it is to have arenas where different stakeholders can meet, express their needs and discuss their conditions.
The representatives in the Student Network have met in person for the first time. In Alnarp in southern Sweden, they discussed and elaborated the overview of Nordic educations in agriculture and forestry that is in progress.
SNS and NKJ have created a student network consisting of two representatives from each Nordic country. The aim is to give youth from student unions the opportunity to meet and exchange experiences and ideas. We want to increase contact and foster cooperation between students in agriculture and forestry in the Nordic region.
The students have previously met online and started creating a database that will make it easy to get an overview of which forestry and agriculture educations exist in the different countries. The idea is to include both undergraduate programs, for example for foresters or landscape engineers, as well as summer courses, PhD courses, and other relevant courses.
The meeting began in a regular meeting room at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in Alnarp, but ended with a visit to Borgeby Fältdagar, one of Sweden’s largest agricultural fairs. There, the students were given a tour of part of the demonstration fields, saw the entire fair from the observation tower, and took a look at the famous pit.
From the left: Jonas Rönnberg, SNS/NKJ, Sonja Skjoldborg, Denmark, Lucas Georg Philip Solmer, Denmark, Sigríður Hrefna Pálsdóttir, Iceland, Hjördís Jónsdóttir, youth member SNS board, Iceland, Eljas Liehu, Finland, Ellen Ramson Høie, Norway, Louise Berger, SNS/NKJ.Meeting participants online: Elias Bye Rossetnes, Norway, Jónína Sigríður Þorláksdóttir, youth member NKJ board, Iceland.
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 solutions for sustainable 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 Venue: The conference venue is the Lecture hall Loftet, at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, in Alnarp. Address: Sundsvägen 6, 234 56 Alnarp, Sweden. Time: 10-11 December, 2025 Fee: Conference participation is free of charge!
The conference aims to engage researchers, state officials, municipal workers, interest groups, intergovernmental organisations and private land owners from the Nordic region in a dialogue on policy needs related to land use.
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!
Call for posters
We are welcoming the scientific community, national agencies, municipalities, NGOs etc to submit a poster for the Nordic Land Use Conference. The aim of the poster session is to showcase initiatives on sustainable land use from the Nordic region and beyond.
The poster can for example showcase a research project, policy development or a development project. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
Land use and energy production
Goal conflict management in land use planning
Functional landscapes
Spatial tools for land use planning
Stakeholder dialogues for sustainable land use
The posters will be exhibited during the conference, and a poster session will be held on the first day of the conference. The poster will also be included in the conference summary report that will be published as an output to the conference.
Authors of accepted posters are expected to print their posters and to exhibit them during the conference. Poster presenters are given a reduced conference fee.
Submission of poster Submit your proposal for poster in either pdf-format or ppt-format by email to and we will get back to you as soon as possible to confirm its acceptance. Posters must be in standing format, and either of A1 size or 70 cm wide, 100 cm high. The deadline is passed.
Register here The conference is free of charge! Register at the latest November 24.
Preliminary program Day 1 11:30-12:30 Registration
12:30-13:30 Lunch
13:45-14:00 Opening statement
14:00-14.15 Presentation of report and purpose of conference
14:15-14:45 Keynote speaker
14:45-15:00 Coffee break
15:00-17:00 Thematic session 1 & 2 (parallel)
17:00-18:45 Poster session and mingle
18:45-approx. 21:00 Networking dinner
Day 2 08:00-08:15 Registration and coffee
08:15-08:30 Welcome back and recap from yesterday
08:30-09:00 Panel Discussion
09:00-09:15 Coffee break
09:15-11:15 Thematic session 3 & 4 (parallel)
11:15-11:30 Conclusions & sum up
11:30 -12:15 Networking lunch
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 Balancing Solar Energy and Land Use: Policy and Practice in the Nordic Region Description: This session explores policy development and emerging research related to the expansion of photovoltaics (PV) in the Nordic region. With increasing demand for renewable energy, particularly solar power, land use planning faces new challenges in balancing energy production with other policy goals such as forestry, biodiversity, agriculture, and cultural heritage. The session will highlight guidelines and practical examples of how photovoltaics can be integrated into Nordic landscapes in a sustainable and accepted way.
Confirmed speakers: • Sanna Andersson, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of the Environment, Finland ”Policy development for regulating solar power expansion in Finland” • Espen Olsen, Professor at the Dep of Physics, Norwegian University of Life Sciences ”Agri-PV: Combining agriculture and solar energy in Nordic countries”
Thematic session 2 Collaborative approaches to functional landscapes I Description: This session focuses on functional landscapes and the opportunities they offer to combine production, biodiversity, and other land use objectives. It will explore how collaborative approaches – such as stakeholder dialogues – can help balance competing interests, align national and international policy goals, and enhance synergies in land use. Through examples from the Nordic region, the session will highlight how improved cooperation between stakeholders can support more sustainable and multifunctional landscapes. Case studies will demonstrate how dialogue can serve as a powerful tool to increase acceptance of land use changes, reconcile private and public interests, and foster innovative solutions. The session also considers how successful models and tools can be scaled or adapted to other Nordic contexts.
Confirmed speakers: • Hreinn Oskarsson, Head of department at Land and Forest Iceland ”Stakeholder inclusion and involvement in the Hekluskógar project” • Carina Wettemark, Head of the Unit for Biosphere and Naturum and Coordinator for UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Kristianstads Vattenrike ”Stakeholder involvement for functional landscapes – Biosphere Reserve Kristianstads Vattenrike”
Thematic session 3 Spatial tools to support decision- and policymaking Description: Spatial data, analysis, and modelling offer valuable support for decision-making in complex and multi-layered land use contexts. This session explores how spatial tools can serve as a knowledge base to guide planning and policy development. Key themes include the integration of diverse data sources, practical applications for land use planning, and strategies for user accessibility.
Confirmed speakers: • Benjamin David Henning, Professor of Geography at the University of Iceland ”Participatory mapping platform for ecological restoration of the Icelandic highlands” • Moritz Kaiser, M.Sc. at Michael Succow Foundation, Partner in the Greifswald Mire Centre ”The European wetland map” • Gunnhild Søgaard, Head of Department Forest and Climate, Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO) ”Map-based greenhouse gas calculator for spatial planning purposes”
Thematic session 4 Collaborative approaches to functional landscapes II Description: This session focuses on functional landscapes and the opportunities they offer to combine production, biodiversity, and other land use objectives. It will explore how collaborative approaches – such as stakeholder dialogues – can help balance competing interests, align national and international policy goals, and enhance synergies in land use. Through examples from the Nordic region, the session will highlight how improved cooperation between stakeholders can support more sustainable and multifunctional landscapes. Case studies will demonstrate how dialogue can serve as a powerful tool to increase acceptance of land use changes, reconcile private and public interests, and foster innovative solutions. The session also considers how successful models and tools can be scaled or adapted to other Nordic contexts.
Confirmed speakers: • Sara Vangerschov Iversen, Ph.D Landscape Ecologist and Tenure Track Assistant Professor at Center for Sustainable Landscapes under Global Change, Aarhus University ”Understanding human values in the implementation of multifunctional landscapes in Denmark” • Emma Luoma, Leading specialist at Akordi ”Platform for reindeer husbandry and wind power in Finland”
How to get there When travelling abroad by plane, it is recommended to fly to Copenhagen airport Kastrup. From the airport to the venue you can take the train directly from the airport to Burlöv station and from there take the bus to Campus Alnarp. You can buy your train/bus ticket in the Skånetrafiken machines at the airport or in the Skånetrafiken app.
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 report form the foundation for this conference.
For the first time, the “Nordic-Baltic Food Systems Conference and Policy Forum” (NFN2025) has been organised. The conference succeeded in its goal: to serve as a platform for meetings between researchers and decision-makers working towards more sustainable food systems.
Photo: Minna Kaljonen
In Helsinki, Finland, nearly 300 researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders connected to food systems, gathered for the conference under the theme ”Securing sustainable food systems in turbulent times.”
– The aim was to dig deep into how the Nordic and Baltic countries can create resilient and sustainable food systems for the future together, in these geopolitically turbulent times, says Minna Kaljonen, coordinator and one of the organizers of the conference.
The key messages from the NFN2025 were delivered to the Nordic Council of Ministers meeting in Kuopio 11-12.6.2025. The organisers emphasized the need for strong institutional support for transdisciplinary food systems research and policy. They argued that the Nordic Council of Ministers could take a stronger role in breaking the siloed sectoral policies and prioritizing food systems research in research funding. The geopolitical turbulences underline the need to look for solutions that give multiple benefits.
Results seminar and policy forum
The conference started with the results-seminar after a Finnish six-year long Food-program, funded by the Strategic Research Council Finland. Three transdisciplinary projects concentrating on just food systems transition (www.justfood.fi), legume value chains (www.leg4life.fi) and regenerative farming (https://www.bsag.fi/en/carbon-action-en/) showcased the solutions for building sustainable, climate-smart and healthy food systems.
The events continued with the Food Policy Forum with high-level keynotes on how the Nordic and Baltic countries are aiming to strengthen the resilience of their food systems and making them crises proof at the same time. The keynotes from Finland, Estonia and Sweden showcased somewhat different approaches to preparedness, but highlighted the collective challenges as well.
A PhD network was also kicked off during the conference and will continue to support peer-to-peer learning amongst the early career researchers.
– It really allowed mutual learning among the different countries, says Minna Kaljonen.
– It also brought up some key differences between them as well.
Prepare for crises
Minna Kaljonen points out the importance of preparing our food systems for various types of crises today, while also maintaining a long-term perspective. This may, for example, concern the use of inputs: fertilizers, seeds, energy and the like. As an example of how to tackle the existing challenges, she mentions the importance of decentralizing production to support circular solutions, and better collaboration between plant and livestock farms in nutrient recycling. Agro-ecological symbiosis was showcased as one example by Rogier Schulte, one of the keynotes in the conference.
– Personally, I see climate change as the one big key threat that compels us to really think about how we produce and consume food. In addition to building long-term resilience, we need to find solutions to be prepared to crises in short-term as well. The key challenge for both food system actors and policy makers is how to keep these both time horizons in mind in decision-making, says Minna Kaljonen.
As part of the solution, she wants to see the Nordic-Baltic food systems as several different systems, but she also emphasizes that they are interconnected. According to Minna Kaljonen, systems thinking can help us move forward.
– This conference took several steps forward in this direction, at the very least brought people together to discuss in these terms, and it really showed that there is a great need for this kind of platform for people from different disciplines to reflect on how food systems work. The Baltic-Nordic perspectives make the solutions tangible.
Now, the organizers are planning the next conference, eyeing Estonia as a possible location. The aim is to hold the conference every other year.
The area of agricultural land has long been decreasing in the Nordic countries. Farmland is now expected to serve many purposes beyond just food production – and it is urgent to discuss how we can collectively manage the conflicts that arise.
Svensk text: scrolla ner
Over the past decade, food production has been strained by multiple crises. The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, war, and inflation all affect how we manage our land. This has made it an increasingly urgent issue to discuss and find answers to – both globally and at the Nordic level.
– For the future, we need to reflect on the role that agriculture and agricultural land play in times of crisis, and how the green sector can prepare to handle such crises, says Sofie Andersson, project coordinator at Nordic Agri Research (NKJ).
But it’s not only different types of crises that affect the food system. More and more new interests are placing demands on land as a vital resource. We want to create green energy, build housing, and protect biodiversity – just a few examples of land-intensive activities. Clearly, we need discussion and new solutions to meet all these needs.
Nordic Agri Research (NKJ) is now engaging in this discussion and offering recommendations for future cooperation on land use issues. The Nordic countries have a long tradition of collaborating to solve shared challenges. Tackling land use issues and balancing society’s various needs while maintaining national food security is no exception – and is facilitated through increased Nordic exchange.
– Competition for agricultural land creates both local and national conflicts. Through collaboration between the Nordic countries, we can help resolve these conflicts more effectively and quickly than we could individually, says Sofie Andersson.
The Nordic countries share similarities and differences in how they manage land use. They have similar planning systems, where local authorities hold the main responsibility, but differ in the types of national policy tools used to influence or regulate local planning. There is a lot they can learn from each other. In some areas, a common knowledge base would also facilitate cooperation in crisis management – for example, the development of soil maps for potential arable and pasture land, and common definitions of soil quality.
Jordbruksmark under press – fler och fler avgörande behov kräver tillgång på mark
Arealen jordbruksmark har länge minskat i de nordiska länderna. Idag förväntas åkermark fylla många fler syften än enbart matproduktion – och det är brådskande att diskutera hur vi gemensamt kan hantera de konflikter som uppstår.
Under det senaste decenniet har livsmedelsproduktionen satts under press av flera olika kriser. Covid-19-pandemin, klimatförändringar, krig och inflation påverkar hur vi använder vår mark. Därför är det nu mer angeläget än någonsin att diskutera dessa frågor – både globalt och på nordisk nivå.
– För framtiden behöver vi reflektera över vilken roll jordbruket och jordbruksmarken spelar i krissituationer, och hur den gröna sektorn kan förbereda sig för att hantera sådana kriser, säger Sofie Andersson, projektkoordinator på Nordic Agri Research (NKJ).
Men det är inte bara olika typer av kriser som påverkar livsmedelssystemet. Allt fler nya intressen ställer krav på marken som resurs. Vi vill skapa grön energi, bygga bostäder och skydda biologisk mångfald – bara några exempel på markkrävande verksamheter. Det är tydligt att vi behöver diskussioner och nya lösningar för att möta alla dessa behov.
Nordic Agri Research (NKJ) engagerar sig nu i dessa frågor och presenterar rekommendationer för framtida samarbete kring markanvändning. De nordiska länderna har en lång tradition av att samarbeta för att lösa gemensamma utmaningar. Att hantera markanvändning och balansera samhällets olika behov, samtidigt som den nationella livsmedelssäkerheten tryggas, är inget undantag – och det underlättas av ett ökat nordiskt utbyte.
– Konkurrensen om jordbruksmark skapar både lokala och nationella konflikter. Genom samarbete mellan de nordiska länderna kan vi lösa dessa konflikter mer effektivt och snabbare än vad länderna kan var för sig, säger Sofie Andersson.
De nordiska länderna har både likheter och skillnader i hur markanvändningen hanteras. De har liknande planeringssystem, där det huvudsakliga ansvaret ligger på lokal nivå, men skiljer sig åt i vilka nationella styrmedel som används för att påverka eller reglera den lokala planeringen. Här finns mycket att lära av varandra. Inom vissa områden skulle en gemensam kunskapsbas också underlätta samarbete vid krishantering – till exempel genom utveckling av jordartskartor över potentiell åker- och betesmark, samt gemensamma definitioner av markkvalitet.
For thousands of years, people have turned to nature for healing, recovery and remedies. Even today, nature can be an important source of health in the modern society. To promote wider use of Nature-Based Health Interventions (NBHIs), the Bioeconomy Programme has released a set of materials.
The material consists of a report with insights and policy recommendations, and a booklet with good practice examples.
The report maps nature-based health interventions (NBHIs) status in the Nordic-Baltic region as well as identifies challenges and provides policy recommendations. The recommendations are meant to unlock the full potential of NBHIs. One of the recommendations is to arrange scientific studies, to find out facts about how natural resources affect human health. It also proposes the funding of research on the economic aspect of NBHIs in the public sector and in rural areas.
– With the help of the research, we would be able to identify areas within the public sector where this kind of intervention could reduce pressure on existing healthcare services, says Bioeconomy Programme coordinator Anna Meisner Jensen.
If NBHIs are to be included in public healthcare, it’s important to be sure that the interventions have real effects. Therefore, it is proposed to set up national definitions and regulations for all NBHI activities to ensure consistency and efficacy in the implementation of them.
– That way, national plans could be developed to include NBHIs in public services, says Anna Meisner Jensen.
Another important part highlighted by the report is the need to spread knowledge about the benefits of NBHIs. Decision-makers in areas such as social services and the education system must gain access to knowledge about NBHIs and how they can be used.
– It would be good to develop materials on NBHIs that specifically target decision-makers in the right positions, so that we have the tools to reach out, says Anna Meisner Jensen.
Complementing the report is a practitioner-oriented booklet detailing business models, profiles, and practical insights. The booklet is designed to inspire current and future practitioners by showcasing diverse examples of nature-based health interventions (NBHIs).
Developed with current and future practitioners in mind, the booklet presents insights and examples demonstrating how landowners and small businesses in rural areas are integrating NBHIs as an income source. This booklet highlights the current role of NBHIs, shares practitioners’ challenges, and provides examples of successful models for those interested in or currently practicing NBHIs. It aims to provide guidance and inspiration for stakeholders looking to harness the potential of NBHIs and illustrate how the spread of NBHI practices can enhance public health while providing economic opportunities for rural communities.
Together, the report and booklet form a comprehensive resource material to encourage the development and adoption of NBHIs across the region.
Definition: Nature-based health interventions (NBHI)
Deliberately designed activities aimed at enhancing individuals’ overall functioning, health, and well-being, or aiding in their recovery and restoration by engaging with or being exposed to nature. In this context, the term ”nature” includes natural environments shaped by humans.
Bioeconomy program SNS and NKJ got the mission from the Nordic Council of Ministers to start the work towards growth and green transition in Nordic and Baltic rural areas, with bioeconomy as the driver. We have run the Bioeconomy program during five years. The main objectives have been to:
Strengthen sustainable use of available bioresources in Nordic/Baltic rural areas.
Increase economic growth and social sustainability in rural areas in the Nordic and Baltic.
Strengthen Nordic/Baltic industry competitiveness in bioeconomy sectors in rural areas.
To mark NKJ’s 60-year anniversary, we want to highlight one of our core priorities: how scientific research results can be translated to fit policy and practical needs to advance the Nordic bioeconomy. You are welcome to join!
On June 11, NKJ and SNS will host a side event for the Nordic Ministers for Fisheries, Aquaculture, Agriculture, Food and Forestry annual meeting in Kuopio, Finland. NKJ finds it highly relevant to raise a discussion about how research results can be aligned with policy needs — and to explore both the challenges and opportunities involved in doing so.
See the livestream here:
We will look for good examples and examine how policymakers, farmers, foresters, and related industries can contribute to shaping research questions without compromising scientific integrity.
How can we increase the impact of research in policymaking? And what role can the Nordic Council of Ministers play in bridging the gaps between research, policy, and practice?
You don’t have to travel to Kuopio to benefit from the discussion. We’ll livestream the panel on June 11, 10:40–11:55 EEST (09:40–10:55 CEST) – so please tune in from wherever you are in the world!
The panel discussion will follow an introduction by NKJ secretary general Per Hansson. Panel participants include:
Identification of successful integrated local solutions for knowledge sharingis considered important when addressing the major challenges in the bioenergy sector. The Bioeconomy Programme has worked together with stakeholders and researchers to develop policy recommendations.
A newly published report builds on the recommendations outlined in the Bioenergy Scoping Paper commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2023. The primary objective of the report has been to ensure that the scoping paper policy recommendations can be implemented with lasting impact. Additionally, the report aims at deepening the understanding of the bioenergy value chain context and provide actionable input by identifying relevant challenges and potential solutions.
Four seminars were organized, aiming at capturing the main points of view and feedback on the recommendations in the 2023 scoping paper, of four key groups: researchers, bioenergy organisations, practitioners and policymakers. The findings from the 2023 scoping paper were discussed, and the recommendations were further refined and classified in order of priority (see below).
The four policy recommendations address the major challenges facing bioenergy in the Nordic-Baltic region. While they can be implemented individually, they are also designed to complement each other. The seminar participants ranked them in this order:
Identifying successful integrated local solutions for knowledge sharing – Recognizing and disseminating effective local bioenergy initiatives to support broader adoption.
Creating a Nordic-Baltic cooperation platform on bioenergy – Establishing a collaborative framework to promote cross-border partnerships and knowledge exchange.
Mapping existing regional networks and initiatives – Identifying current bioenergy networks to leverage synergies and avoid redundant efforts.
Organizing Nordic-Baltic hackathons – Hosting innovation-driven events to tackle specific bioenergy challenges and inspire creative solutions.
Do you want to learn more about how these recommendations can be put into practice? Download the full report – it’s free of charge! You’ll find concrete proposals on how to implement these ideas and reach the intended goals, as well as insights into the methods used to develop the recommendations.
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.
The students had been divided into five teams in advance, each receiving a bioeconomic knot to untie. Over the course of a month, they worked on their ”problem” remotely, before meeting up to further develop and refine their solutions at Agriventure. One key requirement was to integrate digitalization into their ideas.
