Within ten years, Sweden could increase food production by several tens of per cent, create 19,000 new jobs across the country, and strengthen food security, climate action and biodiversity, according to a new report.
The report, Green Upscaling, was presented on Wednesday 18 March to the government by Arla, Lantmännen, Livsmedelsföretagen, LRF and Scan Sverige. The industry collaboration aims to highlight the strength and potential of the Swedish agricultural and food sector.
Despite an increasingly uncertain global environment, Swedish food companies and farmers are investing for the future. Arla’s multi-billion investment in its dairy in Götene, Lantmännen’s new plant-based protein facility in Lidköping, and Scan Sverige’s expansion of slaughter capacity in northern Sweden are concrete examples of the sector scaling up.
– As a farmer-owned company, we invest together with Arla’s dairy farmers across the entire value chain – from farm to dairy. Milk production is the backbone of Sweden’s food supply and supports several parts of the food chain. For us to continue scaling up, shorter permit processes and more predictable regulations are required, says Cecilia Kocken, CEO of Arla Sweden in a press release.
Food production, from agriculture to processing, is one of Sweden’s largest and most geographically widespread industries, employing around 100,000 people directly and generating turnover exceeding SEK 300 billion. Beyond its obvious contribution to national food supply, the sector is vital for regional development, employment and economic stability. The report shows that increased production is possible while reducing agriculture’s climate footprint and nutrient emissions.
About the report Green Upscaling
The industry collaboration Green Upscaling was launched in autumn 2025 to align the agriculture and food sectors around increasing production while meeting environmental and climate targets. The report draws on existing studies, data and expert analysis to outline a practical scenario for growth across key value chains, including crops, meat, dairy, poultry, eggs, and fruit and vegetables.
By Lene Mikkelsen Walsh
