Lantmännen, together with other experts, writes about this and more in two debate articles. Read the verdict in its entirety at Svenska Dagbladet (Swedish) and ATL (Swedish), respectively, or as summaries below.
"Swedish food requires Swedish research" (SvD, 14 May)
Swedish food production requires plants adapted to our northern climate with cold winters and short growing seasons. Therefore, it is crucial that Sweden invests in its own research in plant breeding instead of relying on international knowledge. Plant breeding has historically been central to increased food production in Europe, and is key to meeting challenges such as climate change and geopolitical unrest.
Since 2018, SLU Grogrund, a Swedish knowledge centre for plant breeding, has been developing new crops in collaboration with the business community – with a focus on higher yields, climate adaptation, disease resistance and better taste. Among the 21 ongoing projects are, for example, more hardy potato varieties, Swedish-grown peas for plant-based protein and new apple varieties adapted for the whole country.
Despite the success, the business is threatened by uncertain funding. Research requires a long-term approach, and plant breeding has long lead times where continuity and expertise are crucial. To secure Sweden's food security, stable and long-term funding is needed, as well as a broad political consensus that Swedish plant research is vital – regardless of government. Without this, we risk losing both momentum and crucial knowledge.
Per Arfvidsson, vice vd Lantmännen
Hans Ramel, ledamot riksförbundsstyrelsen Lantbrukarnas Riksförbund
Kristina Yngwe, ordförande Sveriges Utsädesförening
Kalle Johansson, utvecklingschef Sveriges Stärkelseproducenter
"Plant breeding creates growth and climate adaptation" (ATL, 6 May)
Plant breeding plays a crucial role in Swedish food production, sustainability and preparedness. Since 2000, 70 per cent of the increase in agricultural yields in Europe has come from plant breeding. To meet climate change, extreme weather and a growing need for food, crops adapted to Swedish conditions are required – something that cannot be solved by foreign research.
SLU Grogrund, which was started in 2018, is a national knowledge centre for plant breeding with a focus on food crops. Through collaboration between academia, industry and society, it has quickly established effective working methods for putting research into practice. Long-term funding of at least SEK 50 million per year is now required to meet the needs of the future.
Three key areas are prioritised: climate adaptation through crops that can withstand extreme weather and plant diseases, the use of AI to speed up the breeding process, and increased domestic production of plant proteins to reduce import dependence. Currently, SLU Grogrund has a basic funding of SEK 35 million and SEK 10 million in temporary funds that will expire in 2025 – which threatens the stability of the operations.
To secure the future of Sweden's food supply, political consensus and continued investment in plant breeding are required. Sweden has the opportunity to become a leader in climate-smart agriculture – but the right investments are needed now.
Per Arfvidsson, vice vd Lantmännen
Hans Ramel, ordförande SLU Grogrund och ledamot Riksförbundsstyrelsen LRF
Kristina Yngwe, ordförande Sveriges Utsädesförening
Kalle Johansson, utvecklingschef Sveriges Stärkelseproducenter
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