Publications
NIBIOs employees contribute to several hundred scientific articles and research reports every year. You can browse or search in our collection which contains references and links to these publications as well as other research and dissemination activities. The collection is continously updated with new and historical material.
2025
Authors
Favero, Giacomo Cormier, Caitlin MarieAbstract
Food self-sufficiency and local food production are increasingly important in the context of global supply chain uncertainty. In Northern Norway, sustaining agricultural activity is central to national food preparedness, yet vegetable production in Arctic municipalities remains limited. In this study, we examine how vegetable production can be enhanced in Nordreisa municipality by exploring barriers, opportunities, and stakeholder perspectives. Using a qualitative single-case study design, we investigate local realities that shape the current lack of vegetable production through semi-structure interviews with diverse stakeholders across the regional food system and a local interest in vegetable production survey. We found that systemic barriers such as limited infrastructure, fragmented markets, and governance gaps constrain immediate growth. At the same time, motivated producers, consumer interest in local food, and a shared desire for self-sufficiency indicate a latent potential for development. This study suggests that increasing local vegetable production requires a dual approach: grassroots initiatives that mobilize local actors and supportive governance that enables implementation. Practical measures include the establishment of local storage and distribution facility, fostering collaboration between producers and consumers, and aligning municipal and national policies with local capacities. Through the enhancement of social networks and institutional support, municipalities like Nordreisa can take concrete steps towards strengthened local vegetable production.
Abstract
Organic farming has sparked discussions about environmental sustainability, conservation, health and community involvement. In essence, it represents a broader shift in societal values, paving the way for a more sustainable and socially responsible future that includes all segments of society. This chapter thoroughly investigates the multi-faceted socio-economic impacts of organic agriculture, including economic, social and cultural dimensions. It also addresses the difficulties that farmers face when transitioning to organic farming methods and offers solutions to these difficulties. Its primary goal is to provide readers with the necessary knowledge to capitalize on the socio-economic benefits of organic farming while effectively addressing the associated challenges. The chapter focuses on how organic agriculture can promote sustainable livelihoods, boost economic well-being, and increase social and environmental resilience. It also highlights the potential of organic farming to drive long-term growth and revitalize rural landscapes.
Abstract
The literature shows that organic farming has become the centre of policies aiming to achieve sustainable agriculture due to its environmental benefits, such as increased biodiversity, reduced greenhouse emissions, etc. However, there is a gap in the literature on the productivity effects of organic farming over and above the conventional method to understand whether widely converting conventional farms pays off. The current study estimated the productivity function using a semi-parametric smooth-coefficient (SPSC) approach based on unbalanced panel data set from Norwegian dairy and crop farms during 1991 to 2020. The results show that organic farming, compared to conventional farming, increase productivity for most of the dairy farms, while for crop farms the effect is mixed. This finding suggests that organic farming for many farms can yield a productivity higher than or equal to conventional farming. However, the results depend on the farm under consideration, and there exists a large degree of heterogeneity among the farms. Likewise, the technical change is heterogeneous, indicating that some farms underwent technical progress (regress) or a neutral change during the study period. Finally, the returns to scale (RTS) are at the mean about 0.89 and 1.05 for dairy and crop farms, respectively, implying that these farms operate at a decreasing (increasing) returns to scale and can improve their productivity by decreasing (increasing) the current scale of operation.
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Authors
Nhat Strøm-AndersenAbstract
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Authors
Habtamu AlemAbstract
Dairy farming significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly methane (CH4). This study evaluates the performance of Norwegian dairy farms and the socio-economic factors influencing emissions over 30 years (1991-2020). We assessed dairy farm performance by evaluating both efficiency and environmental impact, with a particular focus on reducing methane emissions. This is crucial for achieving sustainable and resource-efficient farming within a circular economy framework. Methane emissions were calculated using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 methodology, incorporating country-specific data on dairy cattle diet and production. Utilizing a comprehensive panel dataset of 692 dairy farms, we employed a parametric model to analyze the intricate input-output relationships within dairy production. Our findings reveal an average eco-efficiency score of 0.95, suggesting a promising potential for a 5% reduction in resource use and CH4 emissions without compromising production levels. Socio-economic factors, such as land tenure, farm experience, and government subsidies, were found to exert a positive influence on both farm performance and GHG emissions. Conversely, higher debt-to-asset ratios were associated with lower performance. Our research underscores the necessity for policies that support improvements at the farm level, such as facilitating knowledge transfer among farmers and increasing access to subsidies for environmentally friendly technologies. Future research should delve into other environmental impacts, including nitrogen emissions and biodiversity, to establish a more comprehensive framework for sustainable agricultural practices. By identifying opportunities for reducing GHG emissions while maintaining productivity, this study offers valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders seeking to enhance the sustainability of the dairy sector in Norway and beyond.
Authors
Rasmus Bang Stine Samsonstuen Bjørn Gunnar Hansen Mario Guajardo Hanne Møller Jon Kristian Sommerseth Julio C. Goez Ola FlatenAbstract
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Authors
Hilde HallandAbstract
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