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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), 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.

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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 Lund University 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 on Lund University website.

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Shape the Future of the Nordic Bioeconomy – join us in Malmö or online

Bioeconomy as a Driver for Economic Growth and Green Transition in Rural Areas 

 
The Nordic Region is more than just its capitals – it’s vast areas of land and sea with immense potential for sustainable growth. How can we strengthen the Nordic bioeconomy to boost local value creation, resilience, and preparedness in rural areas?
 
You are most welcome to join the summarising conference of the Bioeconomy Programme: Key takeaways and next steps!
 

Time: April 15, 2026
Place: Malmö, Sweden & Online
Agenda/Keynotes
Registration

Together, we will build on recent work within the Bioeconomy Programme and provide input for future actions to develop the sector through inspiring keynotes and workshops throughout the day. We will engage in fruitful discussions on the future of the Nordic bioeconomy and provide input for future actions through workshops and keynotes. There is of course also great possibilities to network with senior officials, experts, and practitioners from across the region!

There will be workshops, which will touch upon several topics:
•    Green proteins
•    Plant nutrition supply
•    Bioenergy
•    Nature-based health interventions
•    Tourism
•    Digitalisation
•    Youth and recruitment

The event builds on work done in the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Bioeconomy Programme, which aims to promote sustainable bioresource use, economic growth, and social sustainability in rural areas.

Don’t miss this opportunity to influence policy and drive change!

REGISTRATION
We look forward to welcoming you, in Malmö or online! Here is where you register.

Find the publications made by the Bioeconomy Programme here!

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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.

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New network strives to improve Nordic field trial statistics

Experts gather in a new network to improve the quality of Nordic field trials. The network is now seeking more members.

 

The new network will meet for the first time in April this year. At the meeting, members will introduce themselves and take the first steps toward knowledge sharing and discussions aimed at improving field trials. Svend V Nielsen from the Danish Technological Institute is the initiator of the network and will give a presentation to the participants at the meeting.

– I think we are quite good at field trial statistics in the Nordics, but we may tend to stick to traditions and keep doing what we know works. I hope this network can inspire members to use statistics better suited to their research questions and rethink their practices, he says.

The group focuses on statistics, including the design and placement of field trials, handling deviations from the original plan, and statistical analysis of field trial data.

– The idea is that we address all types of questions related to the statistics of field trials. This will mainly involve design choices, plan deviations, and statistical analysis. For example, if someone is considering a nitrate leaching field trial, we won’t address the suction cup installation and mechanics, but we would naturally discuss how to adjust the trial design to fit the suction cup constraints, how to handle missing measurements, and how to include leaching in a statistical analysis.

The network hopes to inspire improvements in field trials. Hearing what others are doing can help identify blind spots and alternative approaches, according to Svend V. Nielsen. Other potential benefits could include inspiring research into the statistics of field trials or fostering collaboration among members.

The network welcomes new members and targets those who face statistical decisions in field trials – whether in industry or academia – and who want to discuss these topics.

– There isn’t a single fitting title for participants – it could be statisticians, researchers, study directors, etc. The network has just started, it’s free, and we’re looking for interested people.

CONTACT:
Please turn to Svend V Nielsen if you are interested in the network:
sven(a)teknologisk.dk
– he is happy to hear from all interested!

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TARANDUS conference strengthens preparedness and resilience in reindeer husbandry

TARANDUS Conference 2026, 10-12 February in Luleå, Sweden, gathered reindeer researchers from Finland, Norway, and Sweden and further afield to present and discuss reindeer welfare, health and resilience.

 

Book forside, reindeers, logo, conference dates
The abstract book. Photo forside: Ingebjørg H. Nymo.

DOWNLOAD THE ABSTRACT BOOK

The long-term goal for the conference is to strengthens preparedness and resilience in reindeer husbandry. This helps ensure that reindeer production remains sustainable, climate-adapted, and low-impact, while protecting animal welfare and supporting Sámi culture and northern food systems in a rapidly changing climate.

Around 50 network members across Fennoscandia participated during the three conference days.

The TARANDUS network provides a forum for sharing knowledge on reindeer health and welfare and creates new research ideas and new transdisciplinary collaborations within and between countries. The conference also creates opportunities for PhD students and early-career researchers to learn, network, and present their work through student travel grants of which six were awarded for this conference.

The conference is coordinated by the Swedish Veterinary Agency, Natural Resources Institute Finland, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute and the Norwegian Reindeer Health Advisory Service (Reinhelsetjenesten).

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Strong Nordic Engagement at the 4th Field Trial Conference

Field trial professionals and enthusiasts in the Nordic region had a real peak last week, at least if attending the 4th Nordic Field Trials Network (NFTN) Conference in Skejby last week.
 
 
Conference room in white, a bit dark-ish, female and male audience watching a photo on a wall, listening to female presenter.
Photo: Private

In total, there were 72 participants from 7 countries – Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Latvia and Germany – representing more than 30 different organisations across research institutes, advisory services, field trial units, seed companies and technology providers.

“The broad mix of people and institutions made the conference exceptionally well attended and very valuable”, writes network coordinator Nicolai Fog Hansen in a mail after the conference.
 
The participants started off the conference with field visits to Danespo and Nordic Seed. That was a very strong and practical start to the programme.
 
Throughout the three days, there were a strong series of presentations and a lot of active discussion – both in the sessions and during the breaks, field visits and social events.
 
“Many of the participants commented on how useful it was to meet colleagues from other countries who work with similar practical challenges in field trials, and it was clear that the networking and informal conversations were just as important as the formal talks”, writes Nicolai Fog Hansen in his mail.
 
 
 
The network is currently preparing a new funding application to NKJ to continue and expand NFTN activities over the coming years. They already have agreements with Latvia (2027) and in Agriultural University of Iceland (2028) to host future NFTN conferences. More information will follow as plans and funding are confirmed – please stay tuned.
 
 
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Berries are a valuable forest resource – in more than one way

The Nordic Berry Research Network has concluded its activities with a final webinar, bringing together researchers involved in the network to summarise outcomes and discuss future collaboration within Nordic berry research.
 
 
Close-up on two cranberries, one more red, the other orange. Green leaves.
Photo: Ville Hallikainen

The network was established to strengthen knowledge exchange and collaboration between research on wild and cultivated berries in the Nordic region. Berries play an important role in Nordic food culture, horticulture and the multifunctional use of forests, as well as in food security. The network has addressed the need to better utilise synergies between wild and cultivated berry production, which have traditionally been studied separately.

 
During the network period, researchers from Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark have focused on shared challenges related to sustainability, climate resilience, production, utilisation and market development of berries.
Network activities have included webinars, workshops and stakeholder engagement, as well as the Nordic Wild Berry Conference held in Rovaniemi, Finland, in October 2025.
 
The final webinar provided an opportunity to reflect on the work carried out within the network and to discuss next steps, including continued collaboration and the development of joint Nordic research initiatives.
 

– One key insight was that wild berry use is changing but not disappearing. Foraging remains a popular and meaningful activity, closely linked to nature, well-being, and cultural identity. Many people still pick berries themselves and value wild berries for their naturalness, taste, health benefits, and local origin. These values strongly influence which berry products people trust and buy. Understanding consumers therefore helps businesses and policymakers develop products and value chains that align with societal expectations, says Rainer Peltola, coordinator of the network and senior scientist at the Natural Resources Institute Finland.

– By bringing together diverse perspectives – from consumers and forest owners to scientists and policymakers – the network showed that the future of wild berries is not only about yields and markets. It is about values, trust, and shared responsibility. With proactive approaches, Nordic societies can ensure that wild berries continue to be a living part of forests, cultures, and sustainable economies, says Rainer Peltola.
 

See the presentations from the webinar here:

The presentation explores the enduring significance of wild berries in the face of societal, economic, and environmental transformations. Beginning with the evolution of forest general use, the talk examines key milestones – land reforms, the development of everyone’s rights, and the rise of commercial berry picking. The presentation also delves into the need for sustainable resource management and envisions potential futures for the utilization of wild berry resources, encompassing both industrial applications and recreational aspects. Amid uncertainty, the presentation underscores that informed, proactive approaches are essential for managing change and preserving the legacy of natural product use.
 
Charlotta Hedberg and Nils Pettersson
Issues of labour have always encountered the development of the wild berry industry in Sweden and Finland but are today more topical than ever. The current form of the industry is dependent on foreign workers, and has been accused for labour exploitation and even forced labour. Presently, the governments of Sweden and Finland are acting to improve the situation, which has put the procedures around activities of labour import in the wild berry industry to the test. This presentation introduces challenges of labour in the wild berry industry in Sweden and Finland and brings some future issues of labour migration to the table of discussion.
 
This presentation examines Swedish consumers’ perspectives on wild berries, with a particular focus on wild bilberries. It highlights why understanding consumer attitudes and values is essential for developing sustainable and trusted wild berry markets. Foraging remains an important cultural practice in Sweden, closely connected to nature, well-being, and everyday traditions. Consumers value wild berries for their naturalness, health benefits, taste, and authenticity, and often associate wild berry products with quality and sustainability. These perceptions play a key role in shaping product development and market acceptance. Building a sustainable wild bilberry market therefore requires aligning ecological responsibility, transparent value chains, and consumer expectations. By integrating consumer perspectives into research, policy, and market development, stakeholders can actively shape the future of wild berries.
 
The tradition of wild berry harvesting in Norway has deep roots, initially serving as a vital food source and, more recently, transitioning into a recreational activity. This shift aligns with the growing interest in local, sustainable food sources. Despite this, Norway’s infrastructure for picking, receiving, and storing these berries lags behind that of neighboring countries. Yet, the demand for Norwegian wild berries in various product lines is high. To address the need for a consistent supply of high-quality berries, research has been conducted on predictive models and mapping for optimal berry locations and yield estimations. Innovation and research have primarily focused on cultivating wild berry stands and studying the environmental impact on flowering, yield, and quality. Over time, new products have emerged, and many perceive potential in developing nature-based tourism. Towards the end of the presentation, potential business prospects will be discussed.  
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NKJ co-funded research network strengthens knowledge on cover crops

Collaborations and shared insights across the Nordic countries are advancing understanding of how cover crops can improve soil health, reduce environmental impacts, and support climate change mitigation.

 

A group of people seen in a distans at a green field. Blue sky with clouds.
Physical meeting in Copenhagen, visiting field trials at KU. Photo: Ievina Sturite

Cover crops are widely used to reduce soil erosion and nitrate leaching, thereby improving water quality. Research has also shown that they can increase soil organic carbon stocks, enhance soil health, and contribute to net CO₂ sequestration in soils, supporting climate change mitigation efforts.

The Nordic research network CoverCropsNordic was established to strengthen synergies in research on cover cropping strategies for a more sustainable agriculture and food sector in the Nordic region. By bringing together expertise from multiple countries, the network has improved the shared understanding of both trade-offs and synergies linked to the many impacts of cover crops, while also laying the groundwork for future joint activities and research projects.

Recent research initiatives in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden – including CatCap in Denmark, CAPTURE and CropDrive in Norway, and several long- and short-term experiments in Sweden – have provided valuable insights into similarities and differences in cover crop performance across Nordic climate zones, soils, and cropping systems. These comparisons have enabled discussions on key trade-offs and synergies, such as crop yield levels and stability, nutrient replacement and legacy effects, nutrient leaching, erosion control, and climate impacts.

To share knowledge and identify remaining challenges, the network organised a series of digital webinars that brought together researchers and stakeholders from across the Nordic region. A physical meeting in Copenhagen further highlighted the importance of combining new scientific knowledge with practical experience to maximise the positive effects of cover cropping.

The network also organised a PhD course at SLU, bringing together 20 doctoral students and demonstrating strong interest in advancing research-based solutions for climate change mitigation in Nordic agriculture.

The adoption of cover crops has already resulted in improved soil health, increased biodiversity, and other climate-related benefits. The network’s joint synthesis of knowledge will be published in a review paper on cover crops in the Nordic countries. This publication will provide a solid foundation for recommendations on optimal cover crop strategies, supporting both environmental regulations and farmers’ practices across the Nordic region.

Find the network and contact information here!

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Engaging young people in the food culture brings Nordic food heritage to life

Classic Nordic food in a sustainable way – how do we bring our heritage into the future? The project “UWC Red Cross Nordic: Building a New Nordic Food and Sustainability Program” targets young people in order to achieve its goals.

 

One aim of the project, which was funded by NKJ via the steering group for New Nordic Food, was to change the culinary profile of school meals into a Nordic and sustainable profile.

White woman in half figure, smiling at the camera. Artistic blue background.
Judith Kyst, coordinator of the project and director at Madkulturen in Denmark. Photo: Madkulturen

– It was very much about food culture, and about bringing Nordic food culture to the next generation. And inspiring each other by visiting one another’s food cultures, says Judith Kyst, coordinator of the project and director at Madkulturen in Denmark.

The project worked with the staff who planned and prepared the food by offering an inspiration course, an exchange trip, and by mapping resources in the form of kitchen equipment and an inventory of local, seasonal foods and wild edible plants in the surrounding area. But it was not enough to involve only the staff who prepared the food. The project also aimed to reach those who eat the food. They were given the opportunity to learn about, collect and harvest, prepare, taste, and reflect on the food.

– It should not just be food served; we wanted to involve young people in food culture. They were able to gather from nature and take part in preserving and working with the food. Nordic food culture is not just about raw materials, it is also about methods.

– Young people with a different ethnic background can also use food as a tool for integration. They cook food from their own culture, but using local ingredients.

– Today, when the world is so divided, we must not forget our shared Nordic roots. And if there is something that can unite us, it is food. The raw ingredients can be very different. It is more about our values around food, what the Nordic food manifesto stands for – that is what we have in common.

The result of the project has been young people with a newly awakened and deepened interest in food.

– They are very enthusiastic; they are still talking about it! It is about giving food life and developing a relationship with food. There are many perspectives involved in being part of preparing the food yourself.

Hopefully, the young people who have participated in the project’s activities will carry a sense of and an interest in food culture with them into their lives.