Photo: Karl Melander / imagebank.sweden.se

Communication and dissemination

With the input of our reference group, we have identified stakeholders and target groups who should be aware of these recommendations. These include institutions, associations, events and specific stakeholder groups.

Finally, we have summarised key activities to ensure effective dissemination and take-up.

Stakeholders and target groups

Educators in the food sector and curriculum developers: An important target group are teachers in food-related subjects and career counsellors, given their significant influence on young people’s choices.
Ministries of education and relevant agencies: Responsible for education and curricula in general at multiple levels. This should also include programmes aimed at encouraging women to work in primary production.
Ministries of agriculture and relevant agencies: Involved in structural strategies for food systems and food production-related schools.
Rural municipalities and regions: These can promote agriculture and the food sector, e.g. by planning and allocating resources for food systems education from an early age . They can share best practices and help to identify success stories.
Farmers' organisations (NLF, NBL. Landbrug og Fødevarer, LRF etc.): These can help shift attitudes by actively involving young people in decision-making and strategy development. They can showcase talent and share positive examples. Further development of bootcamps/hackathons for diverse participation from both urban and rural areas could be beneficial. Courses on cross-sectoral leadership for farmers could also make a valuable contribution.
Relevant higher education and research institutions: These institutions should review their curricula, conferences and student organisations. This includes highlighting opportunities for innovation across food system sectors.
Funding and funders: Evaluation of criteria for research funding.
Social ministries and agencies: Common platforms and targeted services to provide migrants with more information on career and entrepreneurship opportunities within the food systems sector.

Concrete proposals to ensure effective dissemination and take-up

In addition to the suggestions made above for communication and dissemination, we suggest the following activities to ensure take-up of the recommendations.

Survey among young people about their preferences, attitudes and choices related to food systems, followed by interviews in order to gain a thorough understanding of how to attract young people to modern food systems.
A mapping of exemplary cases from around the Nordic countries demonstrating success in recruitment, career development etc. within the food systems sector. This includes sharing cases, benchmarking and telling positive stories.
Bootcamps and hackathons aimed at young people interested in food systems and entrepreneurship.
“Road-trip” in the Nordic Region to key nodes for curriculum development in both educational institutions and food-related institutions and associations
Development of relevant courses: on cross-sectoral issues for farmers and for immigrants.