Boden is stepping up as one of several participants in a major research project placing meals at the center of Sweden’s efforts to enhance self-sufficiency and sustainability.
Boden Municipality strengthens its role as a frontrunner in sustainable societal development by participating as the only representative from northern Sweden in the establishment of PLATE – a Swedish research center for resilient meals. The project is based at the Stockholm Resilience Center at Stockholm University and aims to increase Sweden’s preparedness, sustainability and competitiveness through research and collaboration on the role of meals in the food system.
“We are incredibly proud and grateful to contribute to this important initiative. Our participation provides us with an opportunity to both learn and share experiences that can enhance our work on scaling up self-sufficiency and sustainable, competitive food systems,” says Claes Nordmark, Mayor of Boden Municipality.
PLATE, funded with SEK 60 million over four years by the Swedish Research Council Formas, brings together researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH ) and the Beijer Institute at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. It collaborates with partners from public and private sectors. Alongside actors like the Swedish Food Agency, MAX Burgers, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), and other prominent participants, Boden will contribute its unique perspectives and experiences to strengthen Sweden’s food system.
Meals for the future communities
Meals are a central part of the food system, connecting everything from production to consumption. By combining cutting-edge research with practical initiatives, PLATE aims to explore and develop meals that promote health, sustainability, and preparedness. This includes conducting crisis exercises within the meal sector and developing strategies to secure food supply in emergency situations.
“By collaborating with highly skilled researchers and other prominent actors, we can jointly develop solutions that are both innovative and tailored to local needs. This is a key piece of the puzzle in our ongoing green transition,” says Claes Nordmark.
Boden’s role in the project
As a partner in PLATE, Boden will focus on development work to strengthen local food production and increase self-sufficiency. This aligns naturally with the municipality’s broader efforts toward sustainability and a green societal transition.
“We hope our participation will help increase understanding and knowledge about the unique conditions and opportunities in northern Sweden related to resilient food production. We also aim to add perspectives tied to our experience as a strategically important military city, where meals play a vital role in both daily work and crisis situations,” says Sara Watz, Strategic Coordinator for Future Food Industries at Boden Business Park.
By participating in PLATE, Boden strengthens its position as an active player in the pursuit of a more sustainable future, where meals take on a central role in building a resilient society within planetary boundaries.
