FloGrain - Grain flows in Sweden during 1550-1750
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Short summary
A study of how Sweden’s need for grain was ensured between 1550 and 1750, and how the rise in social inequality and the era’s climate change impacted food security.
Before the industrial revolution, the availability of grain was a matter of life and death. Bread and porridge were essential for fulfilling people’s daily energy requirements, regardless of class.
The government had a belligerent foreign policy, with Sweden conquering both fertile agricultural land and important trading centers on the other side of the Baltic Sea. At the same time, the population grew rapidly, while the climate became colder and wetter, resulting in poor harvests. Sweden thus went from exporting grain to becoming dependent on imports.
Using AI, the researchers in the project will analyze data about the grain trade in customs and court records, as well as in the state’s ledgers. Their aim is to understand what the government did to secure grain supplies and the consequences for different areas of Sweden and for different social groups. Theye will also investigate how grain was milled, baked or brewed before reaching consumers.