Ruralis Participates in Launch of New Nordic–Baltic Food Systems Research Project
Ruralis has joined a major new international research initiative, RegioFoodS – From regional relevance to transnational value: how regional food systems can boost resilience and self-sufficiency in Nordic and Baltic countries.
The project officially kicked off at the University of Helsinki on 18–19 February 2026, bringing together researchers and stakeholders from across the region. The President of the Nordic Council Ville Väyrynen gave his reflections on resilience and sustainability in the Nordic region.
RegioFoodS is a 36‑month transnational research project aimed at strengthening sustainable and resilient food systems in the Nordic and Baltic countries. Through a comprehensive food‑systems approach, the project integrates data analysis, stakeholder engagement, resilience assessment, and strategic planning to better understand and enhance regional food system performance.
Coordinated by the Ruralia Institute at the University of Helsinki, the project involves research partners from seven countries:
- Denmark – Roskilde University, Department of People & Technology, and Kost Studio
- Sweden – Lund University, Department of Process and Life Science Engineering; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), People and Society; Livsmedelsakademin
- Iceland – University of Iceland (Háskóli Íslands), Faculty of Food Science and Nutrition
- Norway – Ruralis – Institute for Rural and Regional Research
- Finland – Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
- Estonia – Estonian Business School
- Lithuania – Vytauto Didžiojo Universitetas (VMU); Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry; Sustainable Gastro (Turn Sustainable)
The project’s goal is to develop a comprehensive measurement methodology to map and evaluate the long‑term resilience of regional food systems. The methodology will be applicable not only regionally, but also at national and transnational levels.
RegioFoodS operates within the framework of the EU‑co‑funded FutureFoodS partnership, inkl. Norway, which supports Europe’s transition toward more sustainable and resilient food production and consumption.
The Ruralis team is responsible for measuring the long-term resilience and performance of regional food systems (Work Package 3). The team includes Egil Petter Stræte (work package leader), Natalia Mamonova (senior researcher), and Vetle Wiersholm Færaas (research assistant).