7. Recommendations
Drawing from the findings of this report and project, five policy recommendations have been formulated to enhance public health and environmental sustainability throughout the Nordic region.
#1
A range of complementary interventions is needed – no single solution exists
Use the Nordic behaviour change framework developed by this report to facilitate an understanding of how and why measures leading to behaviour change are effective. Behaviour changes and food consumption are just one part of a shift towards healthy and sustainable food systems. Interventions across the supply chains are needed. This needs to be clear in the communication of interventions to increase understanding of the intended effect of the interventions.
#2
The Nordic countries can be front-runners with regulatory instruments such as sugar and meat tax, and/or subsidies on more healthy and sustainable products such as vegetables and fruits
Research shows that these kinds of interventions have effect on people’s choices. By taking the steps together across the Nordic region to further investigate and develop these interventions, greater public acceptance and support could be generated. This would also lessen the risk of shopping leakage across borders that could harm national production.
#3
Enhance public procurement policies and culinary education
Boost demand for healthy and sustainable foods, while familiarizing Nordic citizens with better food choices. This approach seeks to utilize the public sector’s buying power to effect substantial changes in food production and consumption, ensuring easier access to nutritious foods in educational settings. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of improving chefs’ culinary skills in public kitchens, enabling the preparation of appealing meals that adhere to nutritional guidelines, thereby influencing early life food experiences and tastes positively.
#4
Develop a joint Nordic Climate Food Label - building on the success of the Keyhole label and the Nordic Nutrition Recommendations
The Nordic countries can collaboratively progress with a Nordic Climate Food Label, drawing inspiration from its development in Denmark. This approach mirrors the establishment of the Keyhole label in the Nordic countries, which originated in Sweden before being adopted in Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. Establishing a Nordic working group to advance this initiative further, utilising the Danish model as a basis, would be advantageous for widespread adoption across the Nordic region.
#5
Formulate joint Nordic strategies and policies to reduce marketing of unhealthy foods
Numerous companies operate across all Nordic countries. Identifying common ground and developing unified approaches could facilitate a smooth transition towards a more integrated and sustainable Nordic food future. Establishing public-private partnerships at a Nordic level could further aid this process.