The Centre aims to promote a knowledge-based, more sustainable and resilient food supply chain that contributes to long-term economic growth and societal development.
Through leading research and education, the Centre will collaborate with industry and public stakeholders to develop, disseminate, and apply knowledge and new solutions that support a transition balancing economic, ecological, and social sustainability.
The Centre’s work is guided by four overarching strategic goals:
Increased knowledge and innovation to enhance sustainability in primary production
Strengthened collaboration in research and development
Higher levels of technological advancement in research, education, and industry
Reinforcing Skåne’s contribution to the development of primary production in Sweden
The Centre will foster partnerships that leverage expertise and resources, ultimately generating greater impact in both the business of primary production and within research and education.
Primary production is the first stage of the food supply chain and typically takes place on farms and horticultural enterprises. This includes the production of fruit and vegetables, cereals, oilseed rape, legumes, as well as meat, eggs, and milk.
Agriculture not only provides food but also essential ecosystem services. However, it also has environmental impacts that must be reduced—such as effects on biodiversity and greenhouse gas emissions. The sector is clearly challenged by climate change.
Moreover, primary production businesses face challenges regarding economic sustainability—an essential factor for increasing production, attracting labour, and investing in sustainable practices.
Sweden’s national goal is to become more self-sufficient in food production, particularly as part of its preparedness strategy. At the same time, competition for land use is increasing. All of this highlights the urgent societal need for knowledge and innovation in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
The Centre will be established in 2025 at SLU in Alnarp and is jointly funded by SLU and Sparbanken Skåne through its owner foundation Finn. The budget for the first five years is SEK 50 million.
The term sustainable refers to three dimensions: economic, ecological, and social sustainability.
