The area of land used for agriculture have been reduced in all Nordic countries since 1960. Recently, this trend has slowed but it has not stopped. However, new land use demands are emerging in all Nordic countries. There is a high demand for green energy infrastructure, including solar and wind parks. International commitments on nature conservation, biodiversity and to lower land use-related emissions have increased.
All Nordic countries share similar planning systems that put the main responsibility with the local authorities. But the countries differ in what type of national steering mechanisms they have to influence or regulate local planning. This offers the possibility of learning among countries on how different policy instruments can handle new land use demands. In some areas, a common knowledge base would facilitate cooperation among the Nordic countries within crisis management. This includes development of soil maps of potential arable land and pastures and common definitions of soil quality.
From discussions with senior officials and researchers in the Nordic countries, the following prospective topics have been identified for Nordic collaboration around agricultural land use:
National policy development, focusing on the following problem areas:
How can demands for green energy infrastructure, including solar and wind parks, be handled on a national level to ensure that different goals of land use can be met?
How can national policy and processes be improved to ensure holistic and sustainable policies for land use and avoid non-essential development on agricultural land?
What role does agricultural and arable land play in crises: how can it be managed in preparation for and used during crises?
Solutions for urban development and densification
Development and alignment of soil and landscape data
Models and methods for stakeholder engagement, mediation and prioritisation during goal conflicts.