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.

Addressing the twelve intervention areas might contribute to achieving a green, socially sustainable, and competitive Nordic region. The white paper, containing the intervention areas, represents the vision of all those who contributed to it and builds on data and evidence collected in existing reports and projects.

The aim was neither to duplicate what has already been written on the Nordic sustainable food system nor to present a list of “easy recipes” to promote a Nordic vision. Rather, it aimed to reflect on several topics and intervention actions that should be prioritised, as they are often neglected in the current literature.

Cooperation will be the way
In NKJ, we often say that the Nordic countries are stronger together. They share sustainability commitments and similar food system challenges. By realising their potential and exploring their options and opportunities for joint action, the Nordic countries are expected to engage in discussions with other countries worldwide and be a leading example.

No ranking
All intervention areas are equally urgent and should not be addressed in isolation, due to Silvia Gaiani, part of the network that wants to implement a holistic approach that underlines structural changes to reach a common Nordic vision.

– If one intervention area is prioritized, the risk is that some others might be delayed, she says.

For policy makers – and public
The paper is meant to be read by policy makers, but also the public. It raises awareness and allows actors to reflect on and make sense of their roles in promoting action on sustainable food system solutions.

– We hope it can create a space for communication and negotiation, encouraging synergies between actors from the various sectors which are searching for and implementing sustainable food systems approaches, says Silvia Gaiani.

She has a dream about the future, where the white paper can play a role:

– Above all I would like the Nordic countries to set examples and best practices and lead the way to the establishment of sustainable, future proof food systems.

The change is necessary
On the other hand, if nothing changes, she has worries for the future. She sees increased inequalities, fragmented food systems, power imbalances in the food supply chain, loss of biodiversity, increased health risks and non communicable diseases, and unethical consumerism.

New pathway to the future
NKJ is currently sponsoring a follow-up on the previous network, entitled ”A Nordic Baltic framework for Sustainable Food Systems”. Its aim is to create a theoretical framework which will lead to the development a database for Nordic and Baltic sustainable food systems. A consortium has been organized, with eight participating Nordic institutions, and will collaborate with experts and international organizations.

– We are truly committed to support a just and green transition of the Nordic food systems. We are on a mission to create the change we want to live in, says Silvia Gaiani.

Download the white paper

Read more about the ambitions and partners of the  network “The role of Nordic research in transition to sustainable agro-marine food systems” here!