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New platform for sustainable food systems

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.

 

Find more information about the NFN2025

Join the LinkedIn NFN2025 group

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Land under pressure – growing demand for farmland

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.

See all recommendations, statistics, and facts on land use in the Nordic countries

 


Swedish text:

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.

Se alla rekommendationer, statistik och fakta om markanvändning i de nordiska länderna här

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The healing power of nature: an opportunity for rural entrepreneurship

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.
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From research to policy: High-level dialogue on the Nordic bioeconomy

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:

The panel will be moderated by Professor of Practice Kaisa Karttunen, University of Helsinki.

 

Contact
If you have any questions, contact:

 

Save the event to your calendar

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Knowledge exchange crucial for addressing bioenergy challenges

Identification of successful integrated local solutions for knowledge sharing is 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.

Download the report

 

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:

  1. Identifying successful integrated local solutions for knowledge sharing – Recognizing and disseminating effective local bioenergy initiatives to support broader adoption.
  2. Creating a Nordic-Baltic cooperation platform on bioenergy – Establishing a collaborative framework to promote cross-border partnerships and knowledge exchange.
  3. Mapping existing regional networks and initiatives – Identifying current bioenergy networks to leverage synergies and avoid redundant efforts.
  4. 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.

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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.