Workshop on small‑scale food production, entrepreneurship and rural development

How did we get here and how do we shape a sustainable food system of the future? This was one of the questions discussed in a workshop about small-scale food production, entrepreneurship and rural development, arranged in September at Mid-Sweden University in Östersund.

Woman stands up in front of about ten people sitting at a long table. She gestures with her hands. — Emma Björner is one of the researchers who organised the workshop.

The workshop gathered a wide range of people from organizations working with and researching the topics for discussion. It started with presentations by researchers Wilhelm Skoglund and Paulina Rytkönen. Wilhelm Skoglund introduced current research on local food systems, entrepreneurship and rural development. Paulina Rytönen presented findings from a recent project, in which Paulina and colleagues studied the development of small-scale food production in Jämtland, addressing both challenges and opportunities.

Group discussions followed the presentations, zooming in on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats linked to small-scale food production, rural development and a sustainable food system of the future. We talked about collaboration and how we can promote business development and innovation, as well as how we can create good conditions for entrepreneurs in the sustainable food system.

Wilhelm Skoglund presenting current research on local food systems, entrepreneurship and rural development.

Paulina Rytkönen demonstrated both challenges and opportunities.

Group discussions on strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats linked to small-scale food production, rural development and a sustainable food system of the future.

Interview

Kvinna med brunt långt hår klädd i vit blus och grön scarf blir intervjuad

Paulina Rytkönen, Södertörn university

Paulina Rytkönen shares main learnings from her research of Östersund as UNESCO City of Gastronomy and its contribution to small-scale food production in Jämtland, as well as views on future initiatives and possibilities going

Interview

Man klädd i glasögon och svart tröja blir intervjuad

Mohamed Natour, Enterprise unit , Östersund Municipality

Mohamed Natour share his views on challenges in relation to small-scale food production, rural development and the sustainable food system of the future.

Kvinna med brunt axelångt hår klädd i svart kavaj blir intervjuad

Louise Mattsson, Symbios Sweden

Louise Mattsson is optimistic about the sustainable food system of the future, and call for coordination.

Blond kvinna med vit jacka sitter i ett rum med gula väggar och en sittgrupp i bakgrunden. Tavlor hänger på väggarna.

Christina Hedin, local politician, Östersund

Christina Hedin on the threats to small-scale food production, rural development and the future of sustainable food systems.