Last but not least, the overwhelming majority of participants – both online and on site in Stockholm ─ were evidently enthusiastic about the opportunity to debate, network and share stories with their Nordic peers. Keeping track of other countries and their regulations, cultures and industry-specific challenges is a daunting task in any sector, and food is no exception.

Even if most Nordic countries abide under a vast range of EU regulations, there is also a question of interpreting them. Individual creativity in this field may be beneficial in the short term, but in the long run there needs to be a more accessible and inclusive terminology in the regulatory framework, to encourage cross-border collaboration.

Karen Ellemann, Secretary General at the Nordic Council of Ministers raised the importance of a stronger collaboration and action ahead.

“We’re making good on our prime ministers’ vision by bringing together stakeholders in the sector to share experiences, best practices, and challenges for joint and increased action continuing from the Nordic Food Waste Summit.”

Nordic Food Waste Summit has made it abundantly clear that a stronger Nordic collaboration is one of the most important steppingstones towards a more resource-efficient and waste-free regional food system, and many participants went back to their daily struggles hoping for this dynamic gathering to become an annual occurrence.

In conclusion, Petter Haas Brubakk’s end sentence from the summit stage lingers with hope for the future.

 Author: Christian Von Essen

Karen Ellemann, Secretary General at the Nordic Council of Ministers