Decline of Organic Farming in Sweden: A Shift Towards Conventional Practices
Organic farming in Sweden faces a significant decline as economic pressures lead to a shift towards conventional practices.
- • Ingrid Sommar has transitioned from organic to conventional farming due to declining consumer demand.
- • Sales of organic food in Sweden fell by 1.5% last year, now 6.7% of the market.
- • Interest rates and economic pressures are reducing consumer spending on organic products.
- • Ingrid's son plans to continue the farm without organic practices due to regulatory complexities.
Key details
In a significant development for Danish agriculture, the once-thriving organic farming sector is facing a sharp decline, as seen through the experiences of Ingrid Sommar from Svånö gård near Västerås. After 25 years of organic dairy farming, Sommar has made the challenging decision to transition to conventional farming methods due to decreasing consumer demand and economic pressures.
Recent data corroborates this shift; sales of organic food in Sweden fell by 1.5% last year, with organic products now constituting only 6.7% of the market. The peak period for organic livestock was between 2016 and 2021, but numbers have seen a contingent drop since then, amplifying concerns about the sustainability of organic farming in the region. Sommar noted that rising interest rates post-pandemic have left many consumers unwilling to pay a premium for organic products: "It was when interest rates shot up after the pandemic. People are not willing to pay more for food, as they already consider it expensive," she lamented.
Although Ingrid's son, Johan, is slated to take over the family farm, he has no plans to revert to organic farming. He cites the complex regulations surrounding organic practices as a significant barrier to return. Ingrid maintains some organic methods despite the transition, indicating a commitment to animal welfare. "If we don't keep moving forward, we will lose our relevance," she asserted, emphasizing the importance of evolution in farming practices.
Additionally, Ingrid has noticed a decline in the availability of organic products in supermarket shelves compared to previous years, further indicating a shift in consumer behavior and market dynamics.
This story encapsulates the broader challenges facing organic farmers in Sweden and highlights the significant changes in agricultural practices driven by consumer choices and economic factors. As the Swedish organic farming landscape continues to evolve, the future for organic agriculture remains uncertain, amidst rising costs and shifting consumer priorities.