Northern Sweden has ideal conditions for land-based fish farming, which is forecast to be an important source of sustainable protein in the future. Invest in Norrbotten now offers assistance to companies willing to invest in this opportunity.
The world’s population is expected to increase by another 2 billion people by 2050, and the demand for food is set to increase by approximately 50 percent. One of the key challenges will be to shift food production towards sustainable protein sources, and many consider land-based fish farming as the best choice to do so.
– Scandinavia is already famous for farmed fish. In Norway, the industry’s sales amounted to 100 billion NOK last year. However, most of Norway’s production comes from sea farmed fish which contributes to eutrophication, thus having a highly negative impact on the environment. It is therefore difficult to get a permit for new traditional fish farms these days, even in Norway, says Natalie Sidén at Invest in Norrbotten.
The industry is currently shifting towards large scale land-based fish farming, which offers a very low environmental impact. Land-based fish farming is a closed system, where the water is constantly purified. Residue and leftovers can even be used to produce biofuels or to fertilize crops and grow plants.
According to Natalie Sidén, Northern Sweden has great advantages in the ongoing transition.
– Our cold climate, fresh and cold water, 100 % renewable energy as well as our vast land areas make Norrbotten a great place for fish farming. We also have Europe´s lowest electricity prices, due to the great rivers and the hydropower generated from them. Low cost and CO2 emission free energy would be a crucial factor for any investor, Natalie Sidén says.
The sites suggested in Invest in Norrbotten’s present portfolio are all located near the rivers, thus making it possible to get the water that is needed from there. Additionally, the climate of Northern Sweden keeps the water at a perfect temperature for most of the year. Major markets can also be reached within 12 hours from Northern Sweden by truck, reaching a total of 9 million people in Sweden and Finland, where the yearly consumption of fish amounts to 99 000 tons.
Invest in Norrbotten offers free of charge guidance and consultancy to companies willing to invest in a land-based fish farm in the region.
The organization can provide everything from crucial local contacts, such as landowners, to consultancy in regulations and permission processes.
– This is a unique opportunity to invest in the future. Not only will it be aligned with the world’s growing demand for food, but also with the need to drastically lower the world’s CO2 emissions. says Natalie Sidén.
