Our research

We are not a conventional research project that solely delivers scientific output – our work is considerably broader than that. We create and run a transdisciplinary and science-based platform aimed at driving change. While we conduct research that is published in scientific journals, we also organise meetings and interactions between various actors across the food system.

We design dialogues and webinars to discuss what scientific findings mean in practice and how we can work together to achieve systemic transformation. Additionally, we contribute to policy development by providing knowledge on issues of societal relevance, including through participation in events such as Almedalen, parliamentary seminars, and policy briefs.

Research for the Future

Food accounts for a quarter of our climate impact, and global food production and land use are among the main drivers of ongoing biodiversity loss. The way we produce and consume food must undergo fundamental change if we are to meet the challenges of the future.

How can we create a sustainable food system that provides healthy food for all – without depleting nature and without emitting greenhouse gases?

A Sustainable Food System

A sustainable and resilient food system is at the core of our work. The programme is led and coordinated by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) in collaboration with the research institute RISE, the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University, and the Beijer Institute of Ecological Economics at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.

Mistra Food Futures develops strategies to enable a sustainable Swedish food system that delivers healthy food. These strategies are designed to support both short-term change (by 2030) and long-term systemic transformation (by 2045). Through a broad collaboration of universities, research institutes, public authorities, companies, and industry organisations, the programme takes a comprehensive approach to all parts of the food system.

Mistra Food Futures works to:

Define targets for what the Swedish food system needs to achieve by 2045
Assess the current state and identify barriers and opportunities for reaching those targets
Develop strategies to turn barriers into “leverage points” for systemic change
Develop indicators to monitor and ensure progress
Identify and develop measures that enable the Swedish agricultural sector to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, and promote greater sustainability in food processing, retail, and consumption
Identify implementation strategies that support a fundamental transformation of the food system