The government is investing in food – with inspiration from Norrbotten
More Norrbotten food on your plates! is the vision for Norrbotten's food strategy Near food. When the government has now presented several new initiatives to promote food production, it is with the same vision. – The government wants to see more Swedish food on the plate, said Peter Kullgren, Minister for Rural Affairs, at a press conference about the investment.
In the budget bill for 2026, the government presented several new initiatives to strengthen the entire food chain and promote Swedish food production. The initiatives total SEK 489 million and aim to improve the competitive conditions for Swedish producers and increase food exports.
Region Norrbotten has contributed with views and suggestions along the way. In July, the Swedish Board of Agriculture was also commissioned to propose measures to strengthen profitability, competitiveness and food production in northern Sweden. This assignment will be reported on in February next year.
“High hopes”
- We see that the government has taken on board Norrbotten's input and work regarding the conditions for food production. We therefore have high hopes for further measures when the Swedish Board of Agriculture concludes its mission, says Anders Öberg, Chairman of the Regional Board of Region Norrbotten.
The measures now proposed include a payment of 1000 SEK per dairy cow as compensation for Sweden's grazing requirements, as well as increased national support for farmers in northern Sweden.
- "It is positive that the government is presenting measures and funds, especially for milk producers who form the backbone of our sustainable food production. The measures strengthen the conditions for profitable production throughout the country, even though there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure equal conditions," says Anders Öberg.
Anders Öberg, chairman of the regional board, looks forward to further proposals to strengthen the food sector in the county.
The government emphasizes that stronger food production is important both for the Swedish economy and for the country's overall defense and preparedness.
- We look forward to a greater focus going forward on robustness, resilience and profitability, says Anders Öberg.
“An industry of the future”
Norrbotten's food strategy Near food points out what the county's stakeholders should work towards together. The County Administrative Board of Norrbotten, Region Norrbotten, Norrbotten's municipalities and LRF Norrbotten are jointly behind Nära Mat. It is the first Swedish food strategy that covers the entire food chain.
The food supply in Norrbotten must be secured for the future, and there are many reasons to invest in good food from the local area.
- The food system builds the foundation for functioning, attractive societies. Green industries play a crucial role in the transition to a sustainable society. At the same time, agriculture is a future industry with great potential for innovation, growth and attractiveness, says Erika Falk, strategist responsible for food security.