The climate north of the Arctic Circle poses completely unique challenges to agriculture. The “Arktisk lys” project will learn how we can adapt and improve agriculture to the climate of northern Norway.
- Norway is an elongated country with a very diverse nature and climate. This means that we have to develop different solutions for agriculture, depending on what we are growing at different latitudes. The development of new knowledge and technology makes a very important contribution to sustainable and efficient agriculture throughout the country, says Olaug Bollestad, Minister for Agriculture and Food.
The project will also develop new growth models that combine light and temperature
Northern Norway has a unique climate that provides very specific growth conditions for agriculture. Arctic lighting conditions with 24 hours of sunshine create a short and intense growing season. However, rapid growth at elevated temperatures can result in nutrient deficiencies, damage and reduced yields. This results in both wastage in production and reduced competitiveness.
Agriculture in Norway
The “Arktisk lys” research project will explore how we can adapt agriculture north of the Arctic Circle. New fertilizer standards will be developed in northern Norway that are optimized for the production of potatoes, turnips and strawberries in polytunnels. The project will also develop new growth models that combine light and temperature, taking into account the unusual lighting conditions north of the Arctic Circle. The goal is to increase efficiency and adapt food production to the northern climate. The project is funded by the BIONÆR program at the Research Council and is led by NIBIO in cooperation with Tromspotet AS and Norsk Landbruksrådgivning Nord-Norge. The project is also supported by Grofondet, SNN and regional facilitators from Troms/Finnmark.
The presence of agricultural and food research institutes plays an important role in realizing the potential of the far north
In 2020, the government presented the report “People, Opportunities and Norwegian Interests in the North”. The report lays the foundations for policy for the High North in the coming years. Research and closer cooperation between business and knowledge institutions are among the areas highlighted in the report. Agriculture in the north plays an important role, contributing to dispersed settlements and value creation through the sustainable use of natural resources. The presence of the agricultural and food research institutes NIBIO, VI and Nofima AS in the north plays an important role in exploiting the potential of the High North and contributes significantly to business development and job creation.
