Mapping small-scale growers' resource needs and collaboration

With previous experience in leading local development projects for a more sustainable food system, Coompanion now wants to target Vallentuna's small-scale farmers to better understand their needs, challenges and wishes. By collecting and analyzing the information, a knowledge base is created that can be used for future projects, and initiatives that strengthen local, sustainable food production. The information will be collected through, among other things, a stakeholder mapping, questionnaires and interviews.

The project is significant, as society faces a growing need for strengthened food security and local food supply. At the same time, the number of conventional farms is decreasing, which makes it more important to promote small-scale cultivation. The mapping can contribute to a more sustainable use of resources, as shareable resources are made visible and actors become aware of various cooperation opportunities. In this way, small-scale growers can benefit from each other's knowledge and resources, and at the same time become both more sustainable and economically profitable.

The project is run by Coompanion Roslagen & Norrort in collaboration with the Swedish Civil Defence Association, Langhard & Co, Mikrofonden and the National Organisation of Leisure Cultivation, with support from Vinnova. The results can be used by both growers, municipalities and civil society to build a more resilient and sustainable food system.