Changes to the Nordic food systems during the last decades have led to production and consumption patterns that have an unsustainable impact on the climate, the environment, and human health,. To meet the goals of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ 2030 vision and contribute to a sustainable and carbon-neutral future in line with the Paris Agreement, it is crucial to establish a healthy and sustainable food environment in the way we produce, distribute, and consume food. Such a transition requires a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach that involves stakeholders from across the food value chain, including farmers, food producers, retailers, as well as policymakers and consumers in a way that carefully considers trade-offs between different interests and objectives.
This brief outlines a range of interventions and measures that policymakers can implement within the Nordic food environment to encourage sustainable and healthy food choices. These interventions encompass strategies related to nudging and product design, as well as economic incentives such as implementing taxes and subsidies on specific food categories. By employing these policies, policymakers can effectively govern the food environment and facilitate a shift in consumption patterns towards healthier and more sustainable options.