Greenhouse farming and industrial symbiosis were central topics when High Coast Invest met with Dutch companies at the Swedish residence in The Hague.
The event, hosted by Business Sweden and the Swedish Ambassador to the Netherlands, aimed to introduce the strong Swedish offering in food tech to Dutch companies.
– The Dutch are in many ways the world leaders in greenhouse farming, with a long tradition and a deep knowledge. However, rising energy prices and climate pose new challenges to the industry, says Bengt Högberg, investment advisor for food tech at High Coast Invest.
Sweden and especially the High Coast region has a lot to offer regarding these specific challenges, such as 100% green energy, competitive pricing of electricity, available land and a local competence pool.
– The companies that we met confirmed this – we have what they need to establish themselves and grow. They were also intrigued by the concept of industrial symbiosis, where we work with established industries to harness the surplus heat and oxygen and use it for new purposes, says Bengt Högberg.
Companies like Agtira, BlåGrön Odling and Big Akwa, founded and established in Västernorrland, further prove that the region is at the forefront of food tech. Big Akwa, that develops a land-based fish farming system, is an example of industrial symbiosis, planning its first facility at the planned hydrogen plant in Ånge.
The Swedish innovation agency Vinnova presented the Swedish food strategy which calls for a rapid increase in domestic food supply. Sweden’s self-sufficiency today is less than 50%, and both greenhouse farming and land-based fish farming have an important role to play.
Invitees to the meeting in The Hague were greenhouse builders, growers and consultants in the industry.
– It was clear to me that we have a lot to learn, as well! The Dutch shared insights on food safety, which is more easily maintained in a controlled greenhouse climate, and the economy of scale that makes cooperation and co-establishment a good idea. As a next step, we hope to invite a Dutch delegation to a visit Västernorrland as soon as possible, says Bengt Högberg.
Business opportunities in Västernorrland
Land-based fish farming
Great freshwater supply, green energy at competitive prices and good opportunities to join an industrial symbiosis make our region the perfect spot for land-based fish farming.
Greenhouse farming
Low-cost energy, available land and good chances for industrial symbiosis, using the surplus heat from other industries. Our region has a lot to offer future greenhouse farmers.
Vertical farming
As the home to several startups in urban and vertical farming, we have the know-how and support to get you started.
