Kulturreliktväxter – Levande fornminnen och hur vi bevarar dem handlar om kulturreliktväxter i Norden. Skriften best.r av tv. delar. Den första handlar om vad kulturreliktväxter är och varför de är intressanta och viktiga att bevara. Den andra delen, Skötsel av omr.den där det kan finnas kulturreliktväxter, är en skötselhandledning, som genom praktiska tips och r.d berättar hur man p. ganska enkla sätt kan anpassa skötseln av en plats s. att reliktväxter kan f. möjlighet att överleva och trivas där.

This report constitutes the main outputs of the project “Pathways to a Nordic food system that contributes to reduced emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants”. The overall goals are to present the baseline data regarding the Nordic agricultural sector, its greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions, the regulatory framework and support systems, and conflicts of interest. The report aims to describe pathways to a Nordic food system that contributes to achieving the climate target of below 2 (or 1.5) degrees of warming and the air pollution target of zero exceedance of critical loads and critical levels regarding ammonia emissions.

The Nordic region has diverse geological and climatic conditions that make certain types of agricultural production more vulnerable than others.

The policy recommendations aim to serve as input to different policies at EU, Nordic and national level.

The Nordic Gene bank established the 100 year seed storage experiment in Coal mine no. 3 outside Longyearbyen in 1986. Security duplicate samples of the Nordic seed collection had been deposited in permafrost in the coal mine since 1984. 

The experiment was established with the aim to monitor the longevity of seeds in this Nordic back-up seed collection and to gain general knowledge about the longevity of seed stored under permafrost conditions, as well as studying the survival of seed borne plant pathogens.

The experimental set up included in total 41 seed lots of 17 agricultural and horticultural crop species commonly grown in the Nordic countries. The seed germination experiment included two or three varieties of each crop. The experimental part dedicated to studies of pathogen survival included seeds from 11 crops naturally contaminated by pathogens.

The test program comprises germination and pathogen survival tests every 2.5 years during the first 20 years and then every 5 years for the last 80 years. In total 25 identical sets of test seeds placed in sealed glass tubes were packed in wooden boxes, one box for each planned test year.

The tests have been carried out according to schedule and this report sums up the results from the first 30 years of the experiment. All tests have been carried out in accordance with the same ISTA-protocols.

The current book is a celebration of 40 years of Nordic collaboration on plant genetic resources. International perspectives are highlighted and the first chapter is written with input from Axel Diederichsen from Plant Gene Resources of Canada and Igor G. Loskutov from the N.I. Vavilov Institute of Plant Genetic Resources (VIR), and the chapter traces lines back to the pioneers and with a specific focus on Vavilov and how he had influenced scientists in the Nordic countries. Roland von Bothmer and Peter Tigerstedt give an overview of the Nordic plant breeding and genetic resources. Jens Weibull discusses the role of NGB (and NordGen) in the European genebank collaboration. A special section is given to a historical recap of how NGB worked with the Gatersleben gene bank in the early 1980s, at a time when computers were large and collaboration with GDR was not straight forward for western countries, and this section is written with inputs from Jan Engels (former Bioversity International) and Helmut Knüpffer (former IPK Gatersleben). The data management systems at NGB and NordGen are discussed by inputs from Dag Endresen (former IT leader at NGB, now at University of Oslo). We also have chapters on the collaboration with VIR and the Baltic States, the 100-years experiment on seed longevity in permafrost, and the Svalbard Global Seed Vault. Regarding the collections, Roland von Bothmer gives the story of the international Hordeum and Triticeae project and Udda Lundqvist of the Swedish Barley Mutant Collection. The celebration book is finished by chapters on the NordGen's Plant Genetic Resource Collection of today with perspectives on conservation and use, amongst others the ongoing Public-Private Partnership project, written by the current staff at the genebank and Anders Nilsson at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp. A special thanks to Helmut Knüpffer, Kit Lundborg, Roland von Bothmer and Sara Landqvist for their comments and proof-readings of this book.

Increasing food production in the face of a growing population, while adapting to and mitigating climate change constitutes a main challenge for the global agricultural sector. This study identifies, analyses and contextualizes regional initiatives related to agriculture and climate change in developing countries. In order to identify needs for improvements and possibilities for replication or scale-up, a review of recently launched initiatives is combined with a SWOT analysis. Moreover, the study places initiatives in the context of INDCs of Sub-Saharan African countries submitted under the UNFCCC. As a result, recommendations on how to develop and implement best practice agriculture climate change initiatives are presented.

Against the backdrop of population increase, changing dietary patterns, increased affluence and rising demands on land for the generation of biofuels, agricultural productivity is required to increase significantly in the coming years. This increase will take place in a context of constrained resources and a changing global climate requiring increased adaptive capacity and increased resilience of agricultural systems. At the same time, agricultural activities are contributing significantly to climate change, with agricultural production and the food supply chain being responsible for up to a third of total anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Food Fraud has become an important issue throughout the EU and EEA following the horsemeat scandal in 2013. Like other European markets, the Nordic market is exposed to criminal actors who intentionally commit criminal offences to secure financial gain. The Nordic working group initially chose a limited number of topics that we all considered important to address. The topics were raw materials of animal origin, fish and seafood, declaration of Nordic origin and declaration of organic production.The project developed an in-house model for collecting information about the possible threats. The results provide an understanding of the extent of the threats that are being examined. 

Food Fraud has become an important issue throughout the EU and EEA following the horsemeat scandal in 2013. Like other European markets, the Nordic market is exposed to criminal actors who intentionally commit criminal offences to secure financial gain. The Nordic working group initially chose a limited number of topics that we all considered important to address. The topics were raw materials of animal origin, fish and seafood, declaration of Nordic origin and declaration of organic production.The project developed an in-house model for collecting information about the possible threats. The results provide an understanding of the extent of the threats that are being examined. 

This working paper describes the state of play of local food initiatives in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) by examining EU and national policy contexts and by highlighting good practices of local food initiatives in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden and Belarus. The working paper investigates the key drivers and factors impeding the development of these initiatives. The working paper is based on desk studies, input received during meetings with stakeholders and researchers from the BSR, and interviews with good practice initiators in 2016–17. This working paper is one output of the Local food: Formation of local food markets project financed by the Swedish Institute. The overall aim of the project was to strengthen co-operation and to build knowledge of local food system formation by various actors working on rural development issues in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). Another objective of the project was to investigate and share good practices in building, shaping, reproducing and promoting alternative food networks and markets over time and space in the BSR countries (Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Belarus).

Climate impacts hit us directly as e.g. floods and forest fires, but also cascade over borders. How can we address these transboundary climate risks (TCRs)? To answer this, the Nordic Council of Ministers commissioned a study.

As open economies, the Nordics can be exposed to TCRs. Some key trade partners have medium (e.g. China) or even high (e.g. India) risk.

The study dove deeper into six food commodities. For example, climate change affects sources of maize negatively, with risks outweighing opportunities by 28:1. This can mean higher prices or disturbances in supplies.

The Nordics are better prepared than most others, but not well enough. There are also important differences among them.

The report makes recommendations on how Nordics can better address TCRs together. These include a joint research programme, raising awareness and engaging with the private sector.

Det finns idag ingen fullständig förteckning över sorter av köksväxter som odlats i Sverige samt vilka sorter som kan räknas som svenska. För att få svar på detta genomfördes 2012 och 2014 ett projekt med mål att få en förteckning på sorter av köksväxter som odlats i Sverige. Avsikter var också att ta reda på när de började säljas och när de försvann från marknadensamt om dessa sorter idag går att få tag på i genbank eller hos odlare. Beskrivning av sorterna var också önskvärt att få fram för att kunna skilja sorterna åt och, ifall de finns kvar, kunna utnyttja deras egenskaper, både i sin nuvarande form och i en framtida förädling. Tiden begränsades från 1800-talet fram till 1900-talets början. Den ursprungliga målsättningen att få en fullständig förteckning på sorter av köksväxter som odlats i Sverige från 1800-talet och framåt visade sig vara omöjligt. Det blev en förteckning (bilaga 2) men den har flera brister. Omfattningen av materialet bidrog till detta men ännu mer att det inte fanns en standardisering för sortnamn och sortbegrepp. Tonvikten i undersökningen skulle ligga på svenska sorter, vilket var ännu svårare eftersom det inte går att avgöra när en sort är svensk. Tydligt svenska sortnamn saknades nästan helt på 1800-talet men blev mer vanligt i början på 1900-talet. Det går också att konstatera att det var förvånansvärt många sorter som fortsätter att hänga med från mitten av 1800-talet till 1930.

The Nordic Genetic Resource Centre (NordGen) is the Nordic countries’ gene bank and knowledge center for genetic resources. NordGen is an organisation under the Nordic Council of Minister and works with the mission of conserving and facilitating the sustainable use of genetic resources linked to food, agriculture and forestry. 

"Cultivation Manual: Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in the Nordic and Baltic Region" provides knowledge on cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. 

Metals and alloys are widely applied as food contact materials, e.g. as process equipment in the food industry and as household utensils. Therefore, they are a potential source of food contamination. Migration of substances from food contact materials to food must not occur in amounts that endanger human health. Relevant for food contact materials made from metals and alloys are the migration (release) of metals, both the main components and foreseen impurities.

In-house control based on a declaration of compliance, DoC, and supporting documentation at the producers and importers are important prerequisites to limit this contamination and to ensure compliance with the legislation. This is considered a general part of quality assurance, even though the European legislation does not specifically require a DoC for metals and alloys used as food contact materials.

This Nordic guideline gives a short overview of toxicology, analytical feasibility, legislation and guideline values for release of metals from food contact materials. Therefore, the guideline will be a useful tool for industry and official food inspectors.

This discussion paper aims to initiate an informed debate in the Nordic countries and elsewhere on how to allocate the trans-boundary fish stocks in the North East Atlantic in the future and how to resolve possible allocation conflicts. The paper maps the current legal framework and international fisheries agreements in the North East Atlantic Ocean which forms the basis for allocation agreements. It considers the relevance of the biological status of the fish stocks and the economic situation of the coastal states in the area for the allocation of fishing rights and further proposes a dynamic allocation methodology and a decision making process including the handling of allocation conflicts. The paper is compiled by an inter-disciplinary Nordic group of fisheries experts.

The aim of 2TEM was to develop a non-lethal method to determine the salinity habitat of eel. The European eel spawns in the Sargasso Sea but grows in Europe and North Africa. Most eels grow in freshwater, but others settle in marine coastal habitats. Some shift between freshwater and seawater during their growth phase. The salinity habitat of eels is currently determined by sacrificing eels and analyzing their otoliths (ear stones). We hypothesized that their salinity habitat could be predicted by sampling their blood. We tested this on 60 eels from different habitats and compared the results of blood and otolith analyses: 39% were seawater residents, 43% habitat shifters and 18% freshwater residents. Eels were almost all correctly classified (93%) based on the blood transcriptomes, providing a reliable non-lethal method to determine the salinity habitat of the endangered European eel.

With roots as far as the Bronze age, equines have played an invaluable role in history, both with regards to agriculture and forestry, warfare, transportation and leisure, and therefore hold important cultural signi icance in the Nordics. The link between horses and the welfare bene its of their caregivers makes the species an important part of society as well. Since the agricultural and industrial revolution, the equine sector has been in luenced by a range of challenges due to the dramatic change in the role of horses in society, especially for the Nordic native breeds.

However, as society adapts and finds new ways to use and protect them, there is a hope for the future. Although there has been cooperation between the Nordic countries in the horse sector, a collective report of the status of all the Nordic countries has been missing. This report marks a start for this type of effort by considering both commercial and native breeds. Further, it comprises the horse sector in the Nordics, with a special focus on the native horse breeds and the possibilities they carry for environmental sustainability, their socio-economic importance, their genetics as well as their risk status.

The report further evaluates the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) maintained and developed by FAO as a tool for gathering information about the development and current status of the native breeds. The goal of this report is to identify knowledge gaps and areas of improvement for the Nordic equine sector and the collected data of the native horse breeds. One of the biggest challenges has been to find validated information sources for the population numbers of the breeds in each country – there are varying estimates for both commercial and native breeds. The numbers have significant impact for the determination of managing strategies of the populations.

Reports for each of the countries (Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) are presented, and depict the current role of horses, breeding, population development and economic values of the equine sector are listed in each of the country-reports. The information in the country reports were derived from a questionnaire and by using DAD-IS.

The network project titled “Nordic animal gene banks – added value through Nordic cooperation” (NordFrost), has aimed to strengthen the collaboration and competence for ex-situ conservation of animal genetic resources (AnGR) in the Nordic region. This project was launched as a case study following the Horizon2020 funded IMAGE project (2016-2020) where it was concluded that there is a broad variation in the current state of practices and the distribution of responsibilities related to cryoconservation activities between the Nordic countries.

The national strategies on conserving AnGR emphasise ex-situ conservation in varying degrees. However, collection of samples, metadata, back-up storage of material or common strategies and action plans for ex-situ conservation on a regional level does not exist. This makes conservation of AnGR an exposed area that threatens the resilience of Nordic food security. By developing new collaborative models, strengthening Nordic infrastructure, and enhancing the development of Nordic strategies for ex-situ conservation in the region, this network will contribute to increased sustainability for populations and future Nordic food security.

Funding: The Nordic Joint Committee for Agricultural and Food Research (NKJ).

Initiating organisations and steering group members: Nordic Genetic Resource Center (NordGen) / Farm Animals (coordinator)Aarhus University / Morten Kargo, Center for Quantitative Genetics and GenomicsNorwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) / Ian Mayer, The Faculty of Veterinary MedicineNatural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) / Annika Tienhaara, Bioeconomy and Environment

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that may bind to estrogen receptors, but with less affinity than the natural ligand estradiol. They may be biologically active as such or after metabolization in our body. To investigate the occurrence and level of phytoestrogens, scientific literature was screened for data on isoflavones, lignans, stilbenes and coumestans in raw and processed foods of plant origin. The review presents data based both on analytical methods hydrolysing glucosides and non-destructive methods.Many phytoestrogens are phytoalexins. Their production is induced when plants are exposed to abiotic and/or biotic stress. This could explain the rather different levels reported in plants by various investigators, and indicates that many samples are required to describe the levels generally occurring in foodstuffs. The influence of food processing was also considered.

This project has resulted in a suggested definitional and methodological framework for future food waste studies in primary production. It has also resulted in a first attempt to quantify food waste in primary production in the Nordic countries. The project was focused on primary production in the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. One purpose has been to test adequate methods for collecting data on food losses and waste from primary producers in the Nordic countries. Another purpose was to estimate the amount of food losses and waste in primary production in the Nordic Countries. In order to collect data and quantify food losses and waste in primary production it was necessary to work on these definitions or possibly introduce new, more useful terms. Thus this project involved defining terms, developing methodologies and quantifying data.

The importance of conservation of forest genetic resources is widely recognized and efforts are needed on national, Nordic, European and global levels. The Nordic countries cooperate on exchanging information for the conservation of forest genetic resources through NordGen Forest, under the Nordic Genetic Resource Centre.

The forest genetic resources are valuable at many levels and are critical for long-term forest sustainability in a changing climate. Consequently, the present and future human use of the ecosystem services provided by the forests depends on the genetic resources. The key objective of genetic conservation is to maintain the adaptive diversity of forest tree populations. Genetic diversity ensures that forest tree populations, and consequently species, adapt to and evolve under changing environmental conditions. Genetic diversity also provides resilience to pests and diseases, and by this maintains forest vitality.

The aim of this report is to highlight the status of forest gene conservation in the five Nordic countries, how the conservation of forest genetic resources is implemented, as well as strengths and challenges ahead. The report focuses mainly on in situ conservation of forest trees, based on the agreed minimum requirements within the European Forest Genetic Resources Programme (EUFORGEN). Other types of gene conservation are described in general and are addressed for some countries, but not in a systematic comparative way and the level of detail may vary among countries. The commitments to implement the FAO Global Plan of Action for Forest Genetic Resources and the Pan-European strategy for genetic conservation of forest trees lie at the national level.

Countries in the Nordic region do however support and complement each other when it comes to conserving genetic diversity. There is a need to further develop the European work at the Nordic and national level, including the development of more specific climatic zoning to assess the genetic diversity conserved. There is also a need for a systematic evaluation of how the so called Genetic conservation units (GCU) established under the European programme cover the species genetic diversity in the Nordic region. Evaluation, identification of conservation gaps, as well as characterisation of genetic variation captured by the GCU units, could be further developed in cooperation on a Nordic level.

There is a question whether traditional in situ conservation efforts are enough to secure the genetic resources against future challenges, including climate change and pests and diseases. Cryo preservation and assisted migration have been mentioned as additional measures for some genetic resources at stake. The question on how to proceed and make the work as resilient as possible for the future, needs to be discussed at a Nordic and European scale.

This document has been developed by the NordGen Forest Working Group on Genetic Resources, together with the secretariat of NordGen Forest .

In the context of climate change, future-oriented thinking is more important than ever before. While the histories of the Nordic and Baltic regions differ, their future in terms of bio-based economies, value chains and caring for biodiversity is the same. Therefore, joint exercises in imagining a shared regional future are of the utmost importance in increasing the wider Nordic and Baltic region’s level of integration. This research paper uses megatrends as a way to reflect on the future of food in the Nordic-Baltic region. Here, futures thinking is understood as an informed reflection on the major changes that will occur in the coming decades in all areas of society. Eight specific megatrends influencing and influenced by Nordic-Baltic food systems are developed and discussed in depth here.

The brown bee, Apis mellifera mellifera, is the honeybee subspecies that occurs natively in the Nordic and Baltic region. In the 20th century, other honeybee subspecies were introduced to this region by beekeepers. Today, the native brown bee is endangered due to displacement and introgression by these other subspecies. The conservation of genetic diversity is imperative for maintaining future adaptive potential. Bees are not only important farm animals due to their honey production, but also due to their pollination services. Roughly a third of the world’s crop production is based on insect-pollinated plant species and honeybees represent an important pollinator. In 2014 the Nordic Genetic Resource Center published a report on the current status and conservation of the Nordic Brown bee. Thisfinal report of an international ad-hoc working group, consisting of beekeepers, researchers and members of national beekeeping organizations came to the conclusion that cooperation amongst actors and coordination at the national and international level in the conservation of the brown bee is of utmost importance. More specifically, consistent characterization of bee populations in the Nordic-Baltic region to facilitate exchange of breeding material where necessary and development and promotion of brown bee specific management techniques were identified as important conservation measures.

The Nordic network ERMOND, Ecosystem Resilience for Mitigation of Natural Disasters, reviewed information on natural hazards and ecosystem conditions in the Nordic countries. Many natural hazards put pressure on Nordic societies, primarily floods, landslides, storms, snow avalanches and volcanic activity. Intensified land use and predicted climate change are likely to increase the impacts of natural hazards in the future. Ecosystems in good condition have the ability to reduce the impacts of natural hazards. Our study showed, however, that degradation of natural habitats in the Nordic countries may have reduced or even seriously damaged this ability. Nordic disaster risk reduction policies and strategies should recognize this situation and place restoration of degraded ecosystems on the agenda as an integrated part of future disaster risk reduction management in the Nordic countries.

Por primera vez se reúnen en un mismo documento las soluciones de política alimentaria más innovadoras de la región nórdica. Este Menú de Soluciones abarca nutrición, cultura e identidad alimentarias, comida y alimentación públicas, desperdicio de alimentos y dietas sostenibles. Incluye 24 ejemplos de políticas locales, nacionales y regionales diseñadas para suscitar nuevas conversaciones e inspirar nuevas políticas en otras partes del mundo. Cada una de las soluciones supone un paso tangible para abordar un problema específico; en su conjunto, representan un enfoque nuevo e integral a la política alimentaria. También dan testimonio de cómo las políticas blandas pueden traducirse en soluciones y desempeñar un importante papel en la consecución de objetivos ambiciosos a nivel nacional e internacional.

What is the best way to make sure that all children have equal access to nutritional food? What are the best ways to instil a greater sense of food culture and identity and what societal benefits can it bring? What is the best way to transition to diets that are better for us and for the health of the planet? One approach is through food policy.

Read on, find inspiration and get in touch to share your ideas and your own policy solutions!

For the first time, the most innovative food policy solutions in the Nordic Region have been brought together in a single document. The Solutions Menu includes 24 policies that aim to change food consumption and intends to inspire new and robust policy responses to the societal and environmental challenges caused by our current food systems.

The Solutions Menu is produced by the Nordic Food Policy Lab, one of six flagship projects under the Nordic prime ministers’ Nordic Solutions to Global Challenges initiative.

This brief is a detailed account of some of the discussions that took place during the ‘Designing your menu of food policy solutions for sustainable diets policy lab’ at the EAT Stockholm Food Forum in 2018. Continue reading to understand how ‘stubborn optimists’ are creating tangible solutions to complex global challenges.

Participatory multi-stakeholder processes are an indispensable part of food system transformation. However, bringing diverse groups of people together is no easy task. During the “Towards healthy and sustainable food systems in the Baltic region” workshop held in Riga from 27 February to 1 March 2019, a group of determined and energetic stakeholders took stock of various perspectives and initiatives using a systems approach.

While the Nordic Region has strong foundations of resilience, the COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on some of the vulnerabilities in Nordic food systems. A crisis can provide new opportunities to recognise what is not working in our food system and provide the context needed to build new systems, collaborations, and resilience. This think piece is intended to stimulate a discussion around the vulnerabilities of the Nordic food system and to highlight the importance of developing a systems-based resilience strategy to ensure that the Nordic Region can bounce forward after future shocks. It uses the context of the COVID-19 pandemic as an example in order to focus the analysis and ends with reflections on what is needed going forward to fully assess the state of Nordic food systems.

The Nordic countries have, during the last 20 years, introduced efficient measures to reduce nitrogen losses to the environment. Still, nitrogen losses from the agricultural sector are high. In this report we provide recommendations on strategies and policy instruments to achieve cost effective abatement of reactive nitrogen from agriculture in the Nordic countries.This report is based on a literature review. Additional input was also obtained from discussions at a workshop held in Gothenburg in January 2017. The workshop made it possible for experts from the four Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden to come together and discuss and compare policies and mitigation measures regarding nitrogen and agriculture. During the workshop we identified a number of policy challenges, policy actions and also knowledge gaps where further research is needed.

As part of the Sustainable Production and Consumption strategy, The European Commission is establishing the framework for a harmonised assessment of the environmental impact of products (PEF) based on a life cycle approach. This also includes methodologies for foods, including livestock products. The farming stage is by far the largest contributor to the environmental profile of such foods, so it is important to have sound data representing this stage. This report identifies in a Nordic context what primary farm activity data that is perceived relatively easy to collect and what supplementary data and life cycle inventory analysis data (LCI) that are needed. It is concluded that there is in particular a need for LCI’s for feeds produced in the Nordic countries and for recruitment animals in different livestock systems, and a relevant granularity for such datasets are proposed.

Who are the people behind sustainable, inclusive and healthy gastronomy initiatives around the world? How do these frontrunners operate? What results are they achieving? What can we learn from these initiatives?In this brief, we will answer these questions and present a preliminary global mapping of sustainable gastronomy initiatives.

An appeal of land-based aquaculture is that emissions can be theoretically contained and valorized, but techniques for reusing emissions are constantly changing. In order for the Nordic aquaculture industry to grow in an environmentally sustainable manner, information on the best techniques must be disseminated. That is why the Nordic Council of Ministers, BAT group requested a report on the Best Available Techniques for the reduction and reuse of emissions from land-based aquaculture. The report discusses the current state of Nordic aquaculture, including policy specific to land-based production. The techniques to reduce, reuse, and valorize the major emission types from land-based aquaculture are described in detail. The information within the report is of use to a wide number of stakeholders including operators, policy makers, environmental authorities, investors, and entrepreneurs.

African horse sickness (AHS) is an acute insect-borne viral disease of horses and other equines causing depression, respiratory and circulatory impairment. The mortality rate may approach 100%. The disease is transmitted by midges. In 2007–2009 midges caused the spread of bluetongue in cattle and sheep in Northern Europe. The midges are also the main vector and transmitter of AHS and the disease may occur in horses in the Nordic Baltic region during summer or early autumn. Contingency plans covering AHS have been adopted by the Nordic Baltic countries. This report provides information on the preparatory work and the conduct of a simulation exercise. The aim of the exercise included testing of National AHS contingency plans and of the communication systems established between veterinary authorities in the Nordic and Baltic countries for animal disease emergencies.

Contingency planning in the area of animal health is all about preparing for threats and outbreaks of exotic disease, i.e. a disease not present in the country. The objective of contingency planning is to encourage livestock keepers, producers and manufacturers of food and feed, veterinarians in the private and public sector and relevant governmental institutions to think about major contingencies and possible response. The planning involves the development of contingency plans based on the four pillars: prevention, preparation, response and recovery and the conduct of simulation exercises.This report presents an overview of contingency planning related to animal diseases, preparedness for natural disasters, experiences gained from outbreaks of African swine fever in Baltic and Eastern European countries and contains the Memorandum of Understanding on a Nordic-Baltic Animal Health Emergency Reserve and on Nordic- Baltic Veterinary Contingency Planning Studies.

In the last decades Nordic countries have been implementing quota markets and similar instruments to manage mainly the economic performance of their fisheries. Coming from a historical situation dominated by owner-operated fishing units closely connected to their supporting communities, market-based fisheries manage-ment plays a role in promoting company-organised fishing units, non-fisher owner-ship and new social relations. Introducing market-mechanisms to distribute the lim-ited marine resources is therefore not just a change in the technical regulation. It is an active engagement in social change. The publication reviews the Nordic experiences with market-based fisheries management and discusses the implications for managers and future recruitment.

Nordic fisheries at a crossroad explores how Nordic small-scale fisheries can develop to promote high value creation and product specialization. By looking at recent developments among small-scale but land-based food producers we suggest specialization and dedication as the main development strategies. The central notion is to break away from the price-competitive globalised fish markets and develop new products or distribution models. To succeed in this, there is a need for substantive and coordinated efforts to bridge the gap between conventional logics and the new development logics, between supply and demand. The vision should be to develop viable and composite markets for high quality and specialty fish products through dedication and specialization. Markets that go beyond the local and reach supermarkets and consumers on a national and international scale.

Building with wood has an untapped potential to transform the construction industry and create the next generation of low-carbon and healthy buildings. The Nordics, with an abundance of sustainably managed forest resources and a long history of building in wood, are well placed to lead in this construction revolution. Across the wood in construction value chain, from forestry and processing, through production and design, to construction and decommission, the Nordic region is innovating to build bigger and more sustainably with wood than ever before.

This publication features 25 Nordic cases from across the value chain working with wood in exciting and innovative ways. These projects demonstrate the benefits and drivers for building with wood, and provide inspiration for architects, land managers, city planners, designers, suppliers and many more. The 25 cases point to five trends within Nordic wood in construction that paint a picture of where the industry is headed: 1) multifunctionality; 2) saving time and costs; 3) investing in scalability; 4) pushing the boundaries; and 5) circular design.

The team behind this report – the Nordic Wood in Construction Secretariat – is an initiative commissioned by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Swedish Government, and hosted by EIT Climate-KIC. The secretariat’s aim is to support and accelerate the use of wood in Nordic construction through a portfolio of projects, fostering greater dialogue, knowledge-sharing and collaboration between stakeholders from the private sector, public sector, and academia.

Farming is the foundation of our food system. While the prerequisite for farming is a clean environment and a diverse nature, agriculture is currently the cause of major environmental problems, including greenhouse gas and nitrogen emissions. The challenge to protect our environment and feed the world sometimes seem insurmountable, but solutions might be just around the corner. This report describes two food system scenarios for Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden, where the majority of food is produced within the region using organic farming practices and where livestock is mainly fed on grass and by-products not suitable for human consumption. The results show that we could feed the projected Nordic population in 2030 on organic food, mostly grown within the region, while reducing the climate and nitrogen footprints of our food system.

The Faroese horse (Føroysk Ross) is an integral part of agricultural history on the Faroe Islands. There is no unambiguous evidence of the origins of the Faroese Horse. It is believed, though, that the Faroese horse was brought to the islands by Celtic or/and Scandinavian settlers approximately 500-800 AD.

Molecular genetic studies have indicated the closest genetic relationship with the Icelandic horse. Influences from Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies are also likely. Traditionally Faroese horses were kept free ranging in the mountains, and only gathered and brought to the villages when there was a need for transporting heavy goods. After finishing their duties, the horses were again turned out without supplemental feeding. This semi-domestic management contributed to the Faroese horse developing into a small, strong and feed efficient horse with a compact body and strong legs and hoofs, well adapted to the climate, terrain and vegetation. The population size of the Faroese horse was likely 600 to 800 individuals at its highest.

Mechanisation of agriculture and heavy exportation of Faroese Horses to the British Isles as mining ponies resulted in a drastic decrease in population size. Currently a small population of Faroese horse exists on the Faroese Islands, which stems from a few horses born between the 1940s and 1960s. Today, the Faroese horse is used for recreational purposes. The objective of this study was to conduct a pedigree analysis of the current population of the Faroese horse, as well as to describe the possibilities for a sustainable management of the breed by using optimal contribution selection (OCS).

Horses were brought to the Faroe Islands by Norse settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. Over the centuries, the geographical remoteness in the North Atlantic Ocean forced these horses to adapt to their surroundings. Only the horses that could withstand the weather survived, and the Faroe Islands became home to a horse breed that was small, strong, hardy, and agile. The small horses were used by farmers for agricultural purposes and occasionally for transport between villages. Most of them roamed the mountains all year and no targeted breeding took place. The oldest record available of horses on the Faroe Islands is from 1857, which counted 844 horses with 396 mares, and 476 foals and stallions.

Exportation of the horses to coal mines in Britain combined with modernization of the agriculture on the Faroe Islands, resulted in a breed that nearly went extinct. By the 1960s, there were less than ten horses of the breed left alive. A rescue operation was initiated, and suitable horses for breeding were used, however many of them were already related. All Faroese horses alive today, are descendants of only four individual horses.

In 1978, the Faroese Horse Association (Felagið Føroysk Ross) was established to conserve the Faroese indigenous horse breed and they have kept a studbook ever since. In 2018, the online pedigree registration system Føroya Fongur was created, in which online access is provided to the studbook with extensive information about the Faroese horse breed.

By the end of 2023 there were 82 living Faroese horses. The breed can thank their survival to the hard work and dedication from individual horse owners and enthusiast through the years, and through the work of the Faroese Horse Association. You could say that the conservation of the Faroese horse this far is a success story as the breed has managed to survive and increase in numbers over the years. However, there are still several big challenges and threats facing this small and hardy breed. There is a critical need to act today to secure that the breed will be around for future generations as well. The Faroese horse is, after all, a living and breathing part of the Faroese cultural heritage.

All Nordic countries, including the Faroe Islands, have adopted The Global Plan of Action for Animal Genetic Resources (GPA) established by FAO in 2007. This framework obligates all parties to contribute to the conservation, sustainable use and development of animal genetic resources. One of the main areas of concern expressed in the GPA, is that there is too little research and information about many of the native farm animal breeds. Increased characterization, involving phenotypic, genetic, and historical information on breeds is needed (FAO, 2007).

The purpose of the Action Plan for the Conservation of the Faroese Horse is to highlight concrete actions and measures that need be implemented to conserve the horse breed for the future.

The working group on Sustainable Consumption and Production, under the Nordic Council of Ministers requested consultants from Gaia to identify and write out best Nordic practice cases of sustainable consumption and production to be shared internationally within the UNEP SCP Clearinghouse. This report is the third part of three reports and covers 15 examples of two particular themes on:

1) Sustainable Buildings and Constructions

2) Sustainable Food Systems

The cases have also been added into the UNEP’s 10 Year Frame-work Program (10YFP) information platform, the SCP Clearinghouse. The objective is to enhance international cooperation in order to accelerate a shift towards sustainable consumption and production in developed and developing countries. The SCP Clearinghouse is a web-based information sharing tool, which can be used as an inspiration for advancing SCP worldwide.

The simulation exercise on Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) conducted by the Nordic-Baltic Veterinary Contingency Group (NBVCG) took place in Vilnius, Lithuania. The aim of the simulation exercise was to prepare and conduct an FMD emergency vaccination plan and exit strategy, as well as to prepare and conduct the stamping-out of large herds. The evaluation report recommended that the experience gained of killing and disposal from the ASF outbreak in the Baltic countries should be shared with the other countries. In-country training, workshops and simulation exercises are recommended in order to maintain a high level of awareness of FMD, contingency plans and the ability of stakeholders to respond. It was further recommended that a detailed vaccination implementation plan should be developed.

Urban sprawl brings about considerable changes in the peripheral areas of the city. Rich in many vegetation types, mangrove forests, and agricultural plots, Bang Krachao is one of the largest remaining green areas in the proximity of Bangkok. This area is currently under threat as Bangkok’s urban sprawl has not gone without effect in Bang Krachao: green areas are diminishing due to an increased developmental interest in the area together with a growing number of residents. This essay examines the role of the agricultural sector in persevering the remaining green spaces by employing a SWOT-analysis. Findings show that despite a number of weaknesses and threats, there are several important opportunities the sector can capitalize on. Corresponding initiatives are suggested that help to preserve the remaining green spaces and at the same time enhance Bang Krachao’s agriculture sector. Without new initiatives to reverse urban sprawl, it is likely that the ‘green lung of Bangkok’ will be filled with more concrete and asphalt.

Biosecurity is important for a healthy livestock production; it may be defined as the prevention of disease causing agents entering or leaving any place where livestock including poultry are present. A number of biosecurity measures are available to minimize the risk of introducing and of spreading diseases of which some are zoonotic; i.e. diseases transmissible between animals and humans.

This report provides information on biosecurity measures safeguarding animal health and animal welfare and it highlights topics such as barriers and motivation to  biosecurity, training and education, value of partnership and economy.

Broadly speaking biosecurity describes the process and objective of managing biological risks associated with food and feed production in agriculture and fisheries.

Nordic agricultural producers face a large challenge in meeting a growing food demand while addressing climate and environmental challenges. The eight case studies presented in this report show first-hand how farmers and food producers are taking initiative to develop new farming practices and food products that are more sustainable. But these cases also illustrate specific challenges for these new products. The 36 policy recommendations illustrate that there is still a lot of potential to support the transition towards a low-emission food production system in the Nordics at all levels. A multitude of instruments need to be put into play to incentivise more sustainable agricultural practices. But if sustainable and more plant-based agricultural production and consumption is prioritised and expanded it is possible to feed 9.8 billion people and meet emissions reduction targets. 

Veterinary contingency planning in the Nordic-Baltic countries aims to prepare national veterinary administrations and stakeholders to respond speedily and effectively to emergency situations caused by contagious animal diseases. Such diseases may have a disastrous impact on the livelihood of people working in the livestock sector and related industries. The Nordic and Baltic countries have by large adopted very similar guidelines for the development of animal health contingency plans; guidelines based on the four pillars: disease prevention, preparatory arrangements, response and recovery. This report contains information on the conduct of a Nordic-Baltic mini-seminar on the handling of animal by-products and other products in relation to outbreaks of serious transmissible diseases.

Veterinary contingency planning in the Nordic-Baltic countries aims to prepare national veterinary administrations and stakeholders to respond speedily and effectively to an emergency situation caused by highly contagious trans-boundary viral diseases such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease, and African swine fever. Diseases having a disastrous impact on the livelihood of people working in the livestock sector and related industries.The Nordic and Baltic countries have by and large adopted very similar guidelines for the development of animal health contingency plans; guidelines based on the four pillars: disease prevention, preparatory arrangements, response and recovery.This report contains information on the conduct of a Nordic-Baltic seminar and the recommendations adopted by the seminar participants; the seminar had focus on vaccination, animal welfare, wildlife and costs.

Fish diseases are a major concern for aquaculture where fish are commercially reared. In the Nordic-Baltic countries aquaculture is currently taking place in freshwater fish farms and in marine fish farms. A range of viral diseases can cause devastating losses to fish rearing and wild fish stocks. Viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) – also known as “Egtved disease” - is a viral fish disease which affects a large number of freshwater and marine fish. The rainbow trout is very susceptible to the disease.

This report provides information on the preparatory work and the conduct a simulation exercise code-named “TROUT 2013”. The aim of the exercise was to test National VHS Contingency Plans.

Outbreaks of infectious animal diseases within the last 10-15 years in areas with intensive livestock production have shown how vulnerable the production systems can be when confronted with an outbreak of a highly infectious disease such as avian influenza, foot and mouth disease or classical swine fever. The veterinary administrations of the Nordic and Baltic countries have established contingency plans; the objectives of the plans include:

- to protect animal and human health

- to minimize economic loss for the livestock sector and the society as a whole

- to minimize damage to the environment.

This publication provides information on measures to be considered in contingency planning; the measures take into account:

- the pre-epidemic period; disease prevention

- the epidemic period; disease eradication

- the post-epidemic period; regaining of animal health status.