Foreword

The sectors covered by the Council of Ministers for Fisheries, Aquaculture, Agriculture, Food and Forestry (MR-FLJS) are all sectors of considerable importance to the Nordic countries and to Nordic co-operation. Our Vision 2030 is based upon the priorities that have been established for Nordic co-operation. This means that we work in the interests of a green, competitive and socially sustainable Nordic Region.

The green transition to sustainable use of resources is central to how we produce food and manage our natural assets in the Nordic Region, not least with future generations in mind. Economic sustainability, meanwhile, shows the importance of competitiveness that yields concrete future prospects for our sectors. This is a prerequisite for continued productivity development and food security for our citizens. Social sustainability is integrated into all parts of the food chains – from the right to secure, safe and nutritious food, to the educational programmes and career options we want to offer those who apply to the various sectors of FJLS.

Several crises pose a challenge to our societies, from extreme weather and other consequences of climate change to the threat of war in our wider region or the onset of future pandemics.  As we work to shore up our preparedness and build resilience in the Nordic Region, we can clearly see the central importance of the FJLS sectors. As part of this co-operation programme, we specify the focus areas that can help bring about greater sustainability and robustness over the coming years, both in times of peace and times of crisis. We are stronger together than we are apart, and we look forward to jointly pursuing the goals and sub-goals that we set out in this co-operation programme for MR-FJLS 2025–2030.

Peter Kullgren
Swedish Minister for Rural Affairs

Karen Ellemann
Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers