Finnish food production to be developed as a whole

The significance of northern regions for sustainable global food production and food security will increase in the future when drought and erosion caused by climate change threaten large cultivation areas globally.

In boreal ecosystems, climate change is expected to extend the growing season and increase the already excellent water resources. However, food production calls for significant resources which stands for a large environmental footprint. We need to change the direction of food production towards more sustainable processes. At the same time, we must ensure the security of supply and profitability.

The food vision 2040 published in 2023 and the resulting policy brief present solutions for ensuring sustainable food production. The efficiency of production can be improved through measures that also increase soil fertility, carbon sequestration and biodiversity. Regenerative agriculture is an example of such measures.

Industrial side streams not eligible for human consumption and grasslands could be used more effectively in providing nutrition for livestock to prevent people and animals from competing over the same nutrition. In addition, we need to invest in the welfare of livestock and address the needs of each species.

Diversity should be improved in the whole production chain, ranging from soil microbes and diverse production methods to the genetic diversity of plants and animals. These changes require a better understanding of the impact of current operating methods on diversity.

Technology also plays a significant role in promoting sustainable food production. For example, gene technology is an effective tool to develop sustainable food production, and it will probably be accepted in the future. The sustainability of the food sector can also be improved using new production methods that supplement conventional forms of production, including cellular agriculture, vertical farming and recirculating aquaculture systems.