The bioeconomy in the Nordic Region

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The bioeconomy consists of sectors that depend on renewable biological resources, e.g. raw materials from forestry, agriculture and fish stocks. Sustainable resource management is therefore an important part of the bioeconomy. It requires that natural resources are maintained at sustainable levels in order to ensure a steady supply and preserve them for future generations.

Agriculture

Most of the agricultural land in the Nordic Region is used to grow grains (including seeds) or plants. 5% of the arable land was fallow in 2020. More and more land is being farmed organically. Åland has the highest proportion of organic farming in the Nordic Region.

Organic farming as share of total agricultural area

Fisheries

Norway has the biggest fish catch p.a., followed by Denmark and Iceland. The statistics on fishing and fish farming include species caught, annual catches and fishing fleets.

Annual fish catches in thousands of tons

Forestry

The statistics also cover deforestation and timber production. Sweden and Finland are the largest Nordic producers of timber.

Timber production in thousands of m3

More facts about the Nordic bioeconomy

The Nordic Statistics database for the bioeconomy includes data for agriculture, fisheries and forestry.

The Nordic Statistics database

The State of the Nordic Region contains analyses, figures and statistics about the bioeconomy in the Nordic countries presented from a regional angle.

State of the Nordic Region 2024

Further information on the bioeconomy and Nordic co-operation is available here

The Nordic bioeconomy

Nordic Food Policy Lab