Conservation by utilization an alternative development of sustainable systems for local breeds. Review of a NGH Report (2004)

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1 Conservation by utilization an alternative development of sustainable systems for local breeds. Review of a NGH Report (2004) Erling Fimland (or rather Benedicte Lund)

2 The Nordic Model The nordic region consists of 5 independent countries (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Iceland) and 3 autonomous regions (Faroe Islands, Aaland and Greenland). All together 25 million inhabitants. Many similarities, but also differences concerning climate conditions, society, culture, international membership, language, etc. All are members of the Nordic Council of Ministers (NMR) and Norden.

3 Member countries Island Norway Sweden Finland Denmark

4 NordGen More than 30 years of cooperation in genetic resources within the Nordic region A merge of : The Nordic Gene Bank (NGB) The Nordic Gene Bank Farm Animals (NGH) The Nordic Council for Forest Reproductive Material (NSFP) Facts 35 emplyees (30 full-time), 32 mill SEK/year, office in Sweden and Norway

5 Sector Farm Animals New sector leader: Juha Kantanen! Erling is a pensionair.. Almost.. Still with us

6 Main Head Lines Description of the Nordic animal production and markets What factors could be the base for marketing new food products What do the farmer need to think through Recommendations to other stakeholders to achieve conservation through utilization just like the GPA have told us to do..

7 Multifunctional agriculture, which provide services such as Food production Decentralized living, use of whole country Keeping cultural landscapes open and productive For tourism Satisfying basic human needs for outdoor activities and recreation

8 Common political interest to find our own Nordic Path through Nordic Council of Ministers policy and plans: Proactive in developing quality food through the program New Nordic Food Common attitude in the main policy for sustainable development and social conditions Increased consumers awareness with respect to ethical values concerning environment and animal welfare Increased will in the market to pay for expanded food quality dimensions and food perception

9 Typical for the Nordic farm animal production? Increased production efficiency - decreased labor in primary production leads to: Reduced number of citizens in rural district Reduced number of farms, but bigger ones Reduced area of traditionally kept cultural landscapes Farmers choice of development strategy: Volume strategy with specializations and increased production and focus on reduction of cost Producing food products on the farm with direct marketing

10 Nordic farm animal production - markets The Nordic Food Market Few big manufacturing and grocer's companies dominate Both farmers owned cooperatives (most dominating), and private businesses in the manufacturing industry The power of the food store chains may be illustrated that the 4-5 biggest grocery chains have 79 % of the market in Denmark, 92 % in Finland, 94 % in Sweden and 99 % in Norway Traditionally, only a small share of the food market are food from local food production - "short travelled food"

11 What factors could be promoted in trade marking of food products (a) Promote Breed/Breeding program as part of the strategy of developing good brands Historical and cultural breeds have the breed an unique and special history to be told Local belonging, history, culture, appearance, behaviour, taste, other properties Properties of breeding programs could also be marketed as good examples of: Sustainable breeding Maintenance of diversity, low inbreeding rates Balancing income and cost functionally traits Resistance breeding

12 What factors could be promoted in trade marking of food products (b) Maintenance of cultural landscapes by traditional use of local and national breeds Give possible added value to tourist attractions Use of local breeds may give food- and adventure products with a story to tell Possibilities of rural development

13 What factors should be promoted in trade marking of food products (c) Other relevant elements Quality as an absolutely demand Transparency from producer to consumers - open chains Health of the animals Esthetical use of nature Environmental sustainability Animal welfare Ethical interest Short travelled food Handicraft, traditions

14 General advise to the optimistic small scale producer What production process and product do you want to promote? What quality demands should be met, and can we measure them? Is it the product quality it self (ex protein contents of the milk) or is it the story you want to sell? Are there issues such as particularly strong tradition, food culture aspects etc that may be used? Can the combination of landscape and breed give added value? Old receipies, equipment, production methods, handicraft? Are you able to protect your idea?

15 ..more advice (2) Can your idea be the starting point of a regional consept, in cooperation with other producers? Can further research and science give answers that may be promotable? Are you able to document your unique quality? Are there brands, certification systems you could fit in to? Are factors such as expected profit, costs, need for marketing etc analyzed well enough?

16 Recommendations, to us and others National AnGR-Authority responsibilities: Get national focus from politicians and markets Promote success stories in developing business combined with conservation Contribute to develop necessary knowledge Expanded characterization to include Relevant production traits AND product quality traits, animal behaviour etc General Authorities policy makers responsibilities: Provide political interest, will to govern and stimulate through programmes for business development Include issues such as GR, biological diversity, landscape maintainance Development of regional competence centers Promote the importance of genetic diversity as a pool of future solutions to coming challenges

17 Recommendations (2) Industry and farmer organisations responsibilities: Develop will and competence to market products based on local breeds Contribute to increase the status of the local breeds by promoting their added values Motivate farmer to build and use network Challenge R&D institutions to develop necessary knowledge for further development of new products Farmers responsibilities: Search for inspiration and knowledge from others Build your competence Take active part in networking Build your business slowly, but surely.. Thank you!

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