Category: News

Posted on

Indigenous Rights and Perennial Crops: NKJ Hosting Two Side Events at COP17

The United Nations’ seventeenth meeting on biological diversity (CBD COP17) will be organized in Armenia, Oct 19–30. NKJ is there, contributing with two events.

 

The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP17) brings together representatives of governments from around the world, international organizations, the scientific community, civil society, Indigenous peoples, youth, and the private sector. They will evaluate and accelerate the implementation of the global Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. The theme is “Taking Action for Nature” and the primary goal is to translate global pledges into concrete national actions to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.

NKJ, in collaboration with the Nordic Council, are hosting two events in the Nordic Pavillion

NKJ’s first event, on Oct 21, is titled ”Managing conflicts between the green transition and Indigenous rights in Sápmi” (in the Nordic pavillion at 11-12). The green transition is driving major changes in land use across the Nordic region. In Sápmi, these changes can have significant implications for Sámi reindeer husbandry and the traditional use of land and natural resources. This session will highlight Nordic experiences and recent developments concerning cumulative impacts, traditional knowledge, and Sámi participation in planning and decision-making. It will explore practical approaches to upholding Indigenous rights and strengthening the implementation of Articles 8(j) and 10(c) of the Convention on Biological Diversity.

– The Nordic countries face many of the same challenges when balancing the green transition, biodiversity, and the rights of Indigenous peoples. For Sápmi, where reindeer husbandry and Sámi communities extend across national borders, Nordic cooperation provides a valuable opportunity to learn from each other and develop more coherent approaches to land-use planning and decision-making. By bringing these experiences to CBD COP17, we can contribute Nordic perspectives to the international discussion on how the goals of biodiversity conservation can be pursued while respecting Indigenous rights and traditional knowledge, says Sofie Andersson, organiser of this event and project coordinator at NKJ.

The day after, Oct 22, NKJ organizes an event on ”Novel Perennial Grain Crops – Linking Soil and Water Health” (in the Nordic pavillion at 14-15). Novel perennial grain crops developed in the Nordics offer a double win: producing valuable food and biomass while providing ecosystem services like reduced nutrient leakage and better soil health. This session explores the science, policy barriers, and vision of a perennial agricultural future.

– The development of perennial grains challenges our 10,000-year-old reliance on annual grains – this session explores how this could significantly transform our agri-food system, says Elsa Wallin, Project Coordinator at Nordic Agri Research (NKJ).

Are you in Yerevan for the COP17 meeting? Welcome to visit us in the Nordic pavillion, and to participate in our two events!

Posted on

The future of dairy production takes shape in Nordic research network

Two years of Nordic-Baltic collaboration on sustainable dairy have paid off. The NKJ-funded network ”Sustainable dairy for the future” is officially delivering results while empowering the next generation of talent.

 

Traditional group photo, taken outside. About 20 people.
Photo: María Guðjónsdóttir

– Through webinars, a PhD course, and student exchanges, we have generated a platform for young scientists to exchange experiences and discuss new avenues for dairy products, and dairy alternatives with key industry stakeholders and start-ups. In addition, we have identified knowledge gaps and solutions needed to facilitate the green transition, says the network coordinator associate professor Nina Aagaard Poulsen at Aarhus University.

Piece of art including a white cow sculpture parted in two with mirrors all around and lightened in the space between the two parts.
Photo: María Guðjónsdóttir

The network has also created a forum for knowledge exchange and networking, through a workshop focusing on methodologies, and a seminar focusing on the strong Nordic dairy culture and possible new research directions through cellular agriculture and plant-based dairy alternatives. It also strengthens the participants professional networks both within universities, industries and Nordic research and technology organizations. Furthermore, the Nordic contacts enable exchange of students and co-publications based on the analytical expertise of partner universities.

– I hope this will form a foundation for future collaborative projects and new research possibilities, says Nina Aagaard Poulsen.

One person in lab environment pointing at equipement.
Photo: Nina Aasgaard Poulsen

The network not only offers opportunities to learn, identify trends and cooperate on large scale applications. It also functions as an opportunity for the researchers own research to be spread in a broader context.

– The network has provided increased visibility of my research through presentations at network activities and it has developed my leadership and communication skills through organizing events and coordinating activities, says Nina Aagaard Poulsen.

There has been a gender imbalance among the network members due to a high number of participating female researchers. Therefore, invited speakers and industry stakeholders were mainly men.

– To ensure a work-life balance also for younger families all webinars were held within normal working hours: 10 am–2 pm CET, says Nina Aagaard Poulsen.

Posted on

Recreational fishing – a strategic resource for Nordic development

Nordic cooperation could strengthen recreational fishing in the region, thereby contributing to economically and ecologically sustainable rural development. Therefore, a new report proposes the establishment of a Nordic working group.
Text på svenska längre ner

 

FIND THE REPORT HERE

Sport and recreational fishing in the Nordic countries are not only popular leisure activities, but also strategically important resources for regional development, cultural identity, and the green transition. This is the conclusion of a new comparative report that examines recreational fishing and fishing tourism in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Iceland.

According to the report, the long-term sustainability of recreational fishing depends on viable fish stocks, fair access, and stronger links to other sectors of the economy. Well managed, recreational fishing can become an increasingly important pillar for sustainable rural development throughout the Nordic region.

Call for Nordic cooperation
Even though the Nordic countries share many common features, the report highlights that each country has developed its own unique perspective on recreational fishing, shaped by national regulatory frameworks, market structures, and local conditions. This diversity creates significant opportunities for mutual learning and cooperation.

The report proposes setting up a Nordic working group with representatives from Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, as well as Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland where relevant. The aim would be to strengthen recreational fishing in the region by sharing successful methods, coordinating strategies, and facilitating knowledge exchange across borders.

Different strengths – common challenges
The analysis shows that all four countries recognize the economic, cultural, and social importance of recreational fishing, but differ in how the sector is regulated, organized, and linked to tourism and local communities.

Iceland has been particularly successful in attracting international anglers and directing revenues from fishing to rural areas, but the sector is heavily reliant on vulnerable wild salmon stocks. The report points to opportunities for diversification, including sea fishing and a broader range of tourism offerings.

Norway stands out with a relatively well-developed regulatory framework that balances commercial fishing, recreational fishing, and fishing tourism. This model could inspire other countries, while Norway itself could benefit from stronger links between recreational fishing, agriculture, and rural development.

In Sweden, sport fishing is one of the most widespread outdoor activities, generating significant social and welfare values. However, fishing tourism for international visitors remains comparatively limited, indicating potential for targeted development and marketing.

AI has been involved in the writing of this text

 

Text in Swedish

Fritidsfiske – en strategisk resurs för nordisk utveckling 

Nordiskt samarbete skulle kunna stärka fritidsfisket i regionen, och därigenom bidra till ekonomisk och ekologiskt hållbar utveckling på landsbygden. Därför föreslår en ny rapport att inrätta en nordisk arbetsgrupp.

 

HITTA RAPPORTEN HÄR

Sport- och fritidsfiske i de nordiska länderna är inte bara populära fritidsaktiviteter, utan också strategiskt viktiga resurser för regional utveckling, kulturell identitet och grön omställning. Det är slutsatsen i en ny jämförande rapport som granskar fritidsfiske och fisketurism i Norge, Sverige, Finland och på Island.

Enligt rapporten beror fritidsfiskets bärkraft på lång sikt, på livskraftiga fiskbestånd, rättvis tillgång och starkare kopplingar till andra sektorer i ekonomin. Om det förvaltas väl kan fritidsfisket bli en allt viktigare pelare för en hållbar landsbygdsutveckling i hela Norden.

Uppmaning till nordiskt samarbete
Även om de nordiska länderna delar många gemensamma drag, lyfter rapporten fram att varje land har utvecklat sin egen unika syn på fritidsfiske, formad av nationella regelverk, marknadsstrukturer och lokala förutsättningar. Denna mångfald skapar betydande möjligheter för ömsesidigt lärande och samarbete.

Rapporten föreslår att det inrättas en nordisk arbetsgrupp med representanter från Island, Norge, Sverige och Finland, samt där så är relevant Danmark, Färöarna och Grönland. Syftet skulle vara att stärka fritidsfisket i regionen genom att dela framgångsrika metoder, samordna strategier och underlätta kunskapsutbyte över gränserna.

Olika styrkor – gemensamma utmaningar
Analysen visar att alla de fyra länderna erkänner fritidsfiskets ekonomiska, kulturella och sociala betydelse, men skiljer sig åt i hur sektorn regleras, organiseras och kopplas till turism och lokalsamhällen.

Island har varit särskilt framgångsrikt i att locka internationella sportfiskare och styra intäkter från fisket till landsbygden, men sektorn är starkt beroende av sårbara vilda laxbestånd. Rapporten pekar på möjligheter till breddning, inklusive havsfiske och ett bredare turismutbud.

Norge utmärker sig med ett relativt välutvecklat regelverk som balanserar yrkesfiske, fritidsfiske och turismfiske. Denna modell skulle kunna inspirera andra länder, samtidigt som Norge självt skulle kunna gynnas av starkare kopplingar mellan fritidsfiske, jordbruk och landsbygdsutveckling.

I Sverige är sportfiske en av de mest utbredda friluftsaktiviteterna, som genererar betydande sociala värden och välfärdsvärden. Fisketurismen för internationella besökare är dock fortfarande jämförelsevis begränsad, vilket tyder på en potential för riktad utveckling och marknadsföring.

Finland har många fritidsfiskare och det ger en märkbar ekonomisk påverkan regionalt, särskilt i de norra och östra regionerna. Samtidigt är sektorn fragmenterad och domineras av småskaliga aktörer, vilket tyder på ett behov av tydligare reglering och starkare samordning.

En gemensam nordisk möjlighet
Rapporten betonar att värdet av fritidsfiske i alla fyra länderna inte bara ligger i fångstvolymer, utan i upplevelsens kvalitet, kompletterande tjänster och fiskbeståndens hållbarhet. De olika nationella styrkorna pekar på fördelarna med att kombinera systematisk datainsamling, tydlig reglering, riktad marknadsföring och ett varierat tjänsteutbud.

Genom att lära av varandra har de nordiska länderna möjlighet att positionera fritidsfisket inte bara som en kulturell tradition, utan också som en central pelare för hållbar landsbygdsutveckling och den gröna omställningen i hela regionen.

AI har varit involverat i skrivandet av den här texten

Posted on

New specialist courses in Julia and R to secure the next generation of data scientists

To meet the growing demand for cutting-edge expertise, the Nordic, NKJ co-funded network NADAS has developed a brand-new course curriculum for data scientists. Through international training in the scientific programming languages Julia and R, the goal is to train the next generation of experts for both academia and industry.

 

The need for skilled agricultural data scientists is growing rapidly. To tackle this challenge, the NADAS network (Nordic across-domain network of agricultural data scientists) has developed and successfully organized two tailored specialist courses, featuring teachers and participants from multiple countries:

  • “Scientific computing using Julia language” – a deep dive into one of the fastest-growing languages for advanced computing.
  • “Statistical methods in animal breeding” – with a specific focus on Genomic Selection and Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS).

The training centered on fundamental methods and practical applications using the widely used scientific programming languages R and Julia. To keep the Nordic data community at the forefront and contribute further to talent development, the goal is to organize these developed courses repeatedly, with their contents continuously adjusted according to up-to-date developments in the area.

Behind this educational initiative is NADAS, which has built a large Nordic, across-domain network of agricultural data scientists working in academia and industry.

The courses and the network respond to immense interest, not only from researchers, but from the business sector. The interest has been so great that individuals from the industry have approached the network on their own initiative to join. By acting as a knowledge exchange platform through dedicated sessions targeting industry needs, the initiative now serves as a crucial bridge for communication, research, and cooperation across the Nordic countries.

Posted on

Roadshow 2, 2026: Field Trial Data Collection and Plant Phenotyping in Norway

Join the Nordic Testbed Network Roadshow 2026 in Norway and explore how data are collected, managed and applied in modern field trials. Through presentations, site visits and dialogue with experts, participants will gain first-hand insight into Norwegian research infrastructures, plant phenotyping environments and practical approaches to field-based data collection.

First page of the invitation to the event, in pink and green.Sign up here!

The event is free of charge!
Deadline: June 6

 

The roadshow offers participants an opportunity to:
• learn from Norwegian facilities and field trial environments
• explore methods and technologies for data collection and -phenotyping
• exchange experiences with researchers, testbeds and innovation actors from across the Nordic-Baltic region, and
• strengthen collaboration around digitalisation in agricultural -research and development.

The event is relevant for:
• researchers and students working with agriculture, field trials and plant phenotyping,
• testbed organisations and research infrastructures,
• technology providers developing sensing, monitoring and data solutions,
• advisors and innovation actors in the agri-food sector,
• public and private stakeholders interested in digitalisation in -agricultural research and production.

 

Program
11 June 2026 (NIBIO)
• Arrival at Oslo Airport (OSL) before 11:30
• Bus transport from airport to the venue
• Lunch
• At 13:30 Welcome and introduction to NTN and the roadshow
• Presentations by hosts and organisers
• Visit to NIBIO facilities and field-related activities
• Professional discussions and networking
• Bus transport to Ås
• Joint dinner

12 June 2026 (NMBU)
• At 8:30 Morning programme at NMBU
• Presentations and technical visits
• Exchange of experiences and discussion
• Lunch
• Return transport to Oslo Airport. Arrival at the airport before 13:30

Sign up here!

The event is free of charge!
Deadline: June 6

 

Practical information

Accommodation
Participants are expected to book and cover their own accommodation. A discounted booking option has been arranged with Thon Hotel Ski for participants in the roadshow.

Click to bookThon Hotel Ski | Thon Hotels

If the link above does not work, please use the booking code THC3018. Rooms are subject to availability, and we recommend booking as early as possible.

Transport
Participants are expected to arrange their own travel to and from Oslo.
Organised bus transport will be arranged as part of the programme. On Day 1, the bus will pick up participants at Oslo Airport and bring us all to the first venue at NIBIO. Participants should arrive at Oslo Airport no later than 11:30 on 11 June. After the programme at NIBIO, bus transport will be arranged to Ås/Ski. On Day 2, return transport will be arranged from NMBU to Oslo Airport, with expected arrival at the airport before 13:30 on 12 June.
It is also possible to arrange your own transport, for example if you travel by car or have other travel plans. If you arrange your own transport, please make sure to arrive at the relevant venues in time for the programme.

Place
• NIBIO Apelsvoll Senter for Presisjonsjordbruk, Nylinna 226, 2849 Kapp, Norge
• NMBU Universitetet for miljø- og biovitenskap, Elizabeth Stephansens v. 15, 1433 Ås, Norge

Please note
The number of participants is limited, places will be allocated on a ”first come, first served” basis.

More information

Contact:
Nicolai Fog Hansen
Danish Technological Institute
nfh@teknologisk.dk
+45 72201533

Organisers
• Nordic-Baltic Plant Phenotyping Network (NB-PPN)
• Nordic Field Trial Network (NFTN)
All catering during the event and transportation from/to the airport is sponsored by the Nordic Testbed Network

Posted on

Nordic Data Experts Join Forces for Climate-Resilient Agriculture

Climate change demands more resilient crops, which can withstand drought and emerging diseases. The Nordic-Baltic Plant Phenotyping Network (NBPPN) brings together researchers, data experts, and breeding partners to turn plant data into smarter, more resilient agriculture for the Nordic region.
 
 
Plant phenotyping is about understanding how plants actually perform, in the field and under stress. For example, which wheat varieties cope best with drought in Denmark? Which barley lines tolerate cold Nordic springs in Sweden? And how do oats perform under fluctuating light conditions in Finland? To answer questions like these, researchers measure plant growth, development, and stress responses using field trials, drones, and controlled environment facilities.
 
Across the Nordic and Baltic countries, there is large amounts of data generated from these experiments.
 
“The challenge is not collecting data anymore, but organizing it properly, sharing it, and making sure it can be reused. When data are stored in different formats or without proper documentation, they are difficult to combine and learn from”, writes the Nordic-Baltic Plant Phenotyping Network (NBPPN).
 
Therefore, the NBPPN brings together researchers and infrastructures across the region to address this issue. Through the annual symposium, the network create a platform where scientists, breeders, and funding bodies meet, present results, and start new collaborations. The discussions range from practical field phenotyping to digital tools and breeding strategies, always with a focus on improving crops for Nordic conditions.
 
In addition to the symposium, the network organise hands-on workshops where participants work directly with real plant data from field trials and controlled-environment experiments. The goal is practical: how to structure data clearly, document experiments properly, and make results understandable and reusable across institutions and countries.
 
When data from Finland, Sweden, Denmark or the Baltic countries can be compared and combined, we gain a stronger evidence base for selecting crop varieties that perform well under different climate conditions. Breeding programmes can make more informed decisions. Researchers can avoid repeating experiments unnecessarily. Public research funding is used more efficiently.
 
In practical terms, this means that farmers and breeders gain access to better knowledge when selecting crop varieties suited for Nordic conditions, whether that means drought tolerance in Denmark or cold resilience in Finland.

 

Contact:
Prof Svend Christensen,

Posted on

Mapping of threats will make currant and gooseberry production sustainable and profitable

Pests and diseases can significantly reduce currant and gooseberry yield. Mapping of the threats will guide future research efforts.

 

Very close-up photo of a larva in a piece of organic material. Brown, almost transparent in color.
A larva of the currant clearwing moth, Synanthedon tipuliformis, feeding inside a blackcurrant twig, causing severe damage to the plant, Buskerud fylke, Norway, May 4, 2021. This is one of several widespread pests on currant within the region. Photo: Line Beate Lersveen

A network of researchers and advisors in the seven Nordic and Baltic countries are creating a summary of the present pest, disease and mitigation situation to guide future research efforts in currants and gooseberries (Ribes spp.) production.

– There are many reasons to try to maintain the cultivation of Ribes berries in all countries where it is possible. They are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and there are not many crops with these properties that can be cultivated so far north. Therefore, it is also important for preparedness reasons to maintain the area and expertise. It is also important to try to promote cultivation with as little environmental impact (chemical pesticides) as possible, and in this regard, many growers in our countries are at the forefront, says Olle Anderbrant, coordinator of the researcher network “Developing Integrated Pest Management in Nordic currant production“.

The researchers have collected up to date information about the most urgent needs for research when it comes to plant protection. An inventory of major pests and diseases in each country has been made based on published and previously unpublished information. These data form the background for a summary of the situation within the region as a whole and will point out research fields to prioritize in the future.

They have also taken previous and expected climatic changes into account and looked into possible changes of pest control regulations.

Collaboration between countries with similar environment and pests and diseases enables sharing ideas, resources and finally production of successful research proposals focusing on berry crops that have received less attention compared to strawberry and raspberry. By collaboration between countries, it should be easier to produce successful research proposals.

In the northern agricultural EU region, i.e., the Nordic and Baltic countries, currant and gooseberry production has a long tradition. Due to various economic and regulatory conditions these berries are nowadays mainly produced in the countries east of the Baltic Sea.

The network will continue exchanging information to the benefit of berry production and crop improvement in northern Europe. The project members have participated in various scientific and outreach meetings and presented the network and its ambitions.

Posted on

Roadshow 2026: Nordic Testbed Network Offers a Showcase of Testbeds

This summer, it is time for the second roadshow by Nordic Testbed Network. First up is Klaipėda Science and Technology Park (KSTP) May 26, who invites you to the RAS Roadshow 2026!

 

The roadshow is designed to engage a target audience through presentations, demonstrations, and to offer networking opportunities. We aim to connect the testbed members with relevant startups, end-users, other testbeds, and other important stakeholders focusing on digitalisation in the bioeconomy sectors throughout the Nordic and Baltic region.

In Klaipeda, the practical implementation, innovation potential, and commercialisation pathways of RAS technologies will be highlighted. The event will showcase the Aquaculture Competence Centre at KSTP, including ongoing experiments focused on advancing recirculating aquaculture technologies and sustainable production models.

Participants will be introduced to an innovative RAS-based spin-off company, AquaQlt, which recently received a patent for its shrimp tower technology. The event will also include a visit to Klaipėda University, Marine Research Institute, Fisheries and Aquaculture Laboratory, strengthening the link between research, pilot infrastructure, and commercialisation.

The event will target:

  • Aquaculture companies and fish farmers
  • Startups developing RAS technologies or related digital solutions
  • Technology providers
  • Researchers and students
  • Public authorities and policy stakeholders
  • Investors and innovation support organisations

Get more information and the see the programme here!

Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) is an advanced, closed water system used to cultivate fish and shellfish in controlled environments, such as indoors or in tanks. The system is designed to reuse water through continuous filtration and purification, minimising the need for fresh water and reducing environmental impact compared to traditional aquaculture.

Posted on

RegioFoods: Strengthening the Resilience of Food Systems in the Nordic and Baltic Regions

An exciting new project, RegioFoods, has recently launched with the aim of contributing to data collection and the development of measurement methods to map and assess the long-term resilience of regional food systems in the Nordic and Baltic countries.

 

The project, coordinated by University of Helsinki, Ruralia Institute, in collaboration with partners from Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, and Lithuania, will over 36 months map, analyze, and develop strategies for seven regional food systems. Nordic Agri Research (NKJ) is also participating.

– The transnational observatory planned by the project will be an important complement to our previous work on Nordic cooperation in the food sector. Recent events make it especially important to strengthen collaboration and the exchange of experiences regarding the vulnerabilities in food systems that we have observed over a longer period, says Per Hansson, Secretary General of NKJ.

By identifying vulnerabilities, engaging local stakeholders, and creating cross-sectoral strategic plans, RegioFoods aims to promote long-term sustainability and resilience. The project also contributes to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas such as zero hunger, responsible consumption, and innovation.

RegioFoods represents an important step toward establishing a transnational observatory for food systems, which could also serve as a model for other regions in Europe.

For more information about the project and its partners, visit the project page.

This project is part of the programme of FutureFoodS, co-funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme under Grant Agreement No. 101136361.
Posted on

Five Nordic Role Models Highlight the Future of Rural Entrepreneurship

Young rural entrepreneurs across the Nordic countries are showing how innovation, tradition and community engagement can go hand in hand. A new report, Inspiring rural entrepreneurs: Five Nordic role models, presents five personal stories that illustrate how rural businesses can thrive despite demographic, structural and economic challenges. 

The report builds on previous Nordic policy work on farm diversification and youth engagement. It responds to pressing concerns facing rural areas, including urbanisation, an ageing workforce, skills mismatches and difficulties in attracting young people to rural careers.

– Young entrepreneurs in diversified farming navigate a landscape of financial risk, regulatory complexity, and changing identities. Platforms where they can meet, share knowledge and experiences, and grow together are crucial, says Julia Fyr, project coordinator and part of the steering group behind the report.

Entrepreneurship rooted in place

The five role models come from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. While their businesses differ – ranging from farm shops and food processing to dairy production, goat cheese and greenhouse horticulture – they share a strong connection to place, family and local communities.

Several of the entrepreneurs have taken over long-established family farms, combining respect for tradition with new business models. Others have entered agriculture from entirely different professions, bringing fresh skills in areas such as marketing and innovation.

Diversification and resilience

A key message of the report is the importance of diversification. The featured entrepreneurs have strengthened their businesses by developing multiple income streams, such as value-added food production, direct sales through farm shops, welfare services, guided visits and niche products tailored to local demand.

This diversification not only improves profitability but also increases resilience in the face of external risks, including volatile markets, climate impacts and rising energy costs.

Community, visibility and courage

Across all five cases, community orientation stands out as a common strength. Farms are described not only as production sites, but also as social meeting places that create local value and strengthen rural cohesion.

Another shared factor is visibility. The entrepreneurs actively communicate their stories through social media, customer interaction and public engagement, helping to build trust, demand and understanding of modern agriculture.

Finally, the report highlights courage and perseverance as essential qualities. From crowdfunding new ventures to investing in niche production and making early leadership decisions, the role models demonstrate a willingness to take calculated risks and learn by doing.

Inspiration for the next generation

By showcasing real-life examples, the report aims to inspire young people, policymakers and stakeholders to see rural entrepreneurship as a viable and meaningful career path. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, it emphasises the importance of starting from local conditions, building on existing assets and adapting business models to specific contexts.

Inspiring rural entrepreneurs: Five Nordic role models provides concrete insights into how rural businesses can contribute to sustainable food systems, vibrant communities and a resilient Nordic bioeconomy.

 

Swedish text

Fem nordiska förebilder belyser framtiden för landsbygdsföretagande

Unga företagare på landsbygden i de nordiska länderna visar hur innovation, tradition och engagemang i lokalsamhället kan gå hand i hand. En ny rapport, Inspirerande landsbygdsföretagare: Fem nordiska förebilder, presenterar fem personliga berättelser som illustrerar hur landsbygdsföretag kan frodas trots demografiska, strukturella och ekonomiska utmaningar.

Rapporten bygger på tidigare nordiskt policyarbete om diversifiering inom jordbruk och ungdomsengagemang. Den svarar på brådskande utmaningar för landsbygden som urbanisering, en åldrande arbetskraftsstyrka, kompetensbrist och svårigheter att locka unga till de gröna yrkena.

Företagande förankrat i platsen
De fem förebilderna kommer från Sverige, Finland, Norge, Danmark och Island. Deras verksamheter skiljer sig åt; från gårdsbutiker och livsmedelsförädling till mjölkproduktion, getost och växthusodling – men de delar en stark koppling till platsen, familjen och lokalsamhället.

Flera av företagarna har tagit över gårdar som varit i släkten i generationer och kombinerar respekt för traditioner med nya affärsmodeller. Andra har kommit in i jordbruket från helt andra yrken och bidrar med nya kunskaper inom områden som marknadsföring och innovation.

Diversifiering och motståndskraft
Ett centralt budskap i rapporten är vikten av diversifiering. De framgångsrika företagarna har stärkt sina verksamheter genom att utveckla flera inkomstkällor, som förädlade livsmedel, direktkontakt med kunden via gårdsbutiker, välfärdstjänster, guidade besök och nischprodukter anpassade efter lokal efterfrågan.

Denna diversifiering förbättrar inte bara lönsamheten utan ökar också motståndskraften mot yttre risker som svängande marknader, klimatpåverkan och stigande energikostnader.

Gemenskap, synlighet och mod
I alla fem fallen framhålls engagemang i lokalsamhället som en gemensam styrka. Gårdarna beskrivs inte bara som produktionsplatser, utan också som sociala mötesplatser som skapar lokalt värde och stärker sammanhållningen på landsbygden.

En annan gemensam faktor är synlighet. Företagarna kommunicerar aktivt sina berättelser genom sociala medier, kundinteraktion och offentligt engagemang, vilket bidrar till att bygga förtroende, efterfrågan och förståelse för det moderna jordbruket.

Slutligen lyfter rapporten fram mod och uthållighet som avgörande egenskaper. Från crowdfunding av nya projekt till investeringar i nischproduktion och tidiga ledarbeslut visar förebilderna en vilja att ta beräknade risker och lära sig genom att göra.

Inspiration för nästa generation
Genom att lyfta fram verkliga personer och företag hoppas rapportförfattarna inspirera unga, beslutsfattare och intressenter att se landsbygdsföretagande som en hållbar och meningsfull karriärväg. I stället för enhetliga lösningar betonas vikten av att utgå från lokala förutsättningar, bygga vidare på befintliga resurser och anpassa affärsmodeller till specifika sammanhang.

Inspirerande landsbygdsföretagare: Fem nordiska förebilder ger konkreta insikter i hur landsbygdsföretag kan bidra till hållbara livsmedelssystem, levande samhällen och en resilient nordisk bioekonomi.

 

NOTE: This content was developed with the support of AI tools and has been thoroughly reviewed for accuracy.