PRE-STUDY: FEED HÄLSINGLAND
The pre-study will lay the foundation for Feed Hälsingland by producing documentation, building networks of ERFA-farms and mentors, and developing a model for mentor and apprenticeship training in local food production.
A pre-study that will lay the foundation for the future local food production in Hälsingland.
About the project
Purpose
The purpose of the project is to produce documentation for and enable the implementation project Feed Hälsingland. Feed Hälsingland will promote increased local food production and increase the number of local food producers, while also promoting good soil health, increased carbon storage, water and ecosystem health, as well as good profitability and strengthened civil preparedness.
The goal of the project is to
- have completed a complete documentation for an application for the implementation project Feed Hälsingland.
- have formed an initial network with ERFA-farms and formulated cooperation agreements with them. At least one ERFA-farm in each Hälsingekommun.
- have developed a model for a mentor and apprenticeship training at CFL in Söderhamn that is ready to be implemented as part of the start of the implementation project Feed Hälsingland.
The project consists of
- creating documentation for a project application for Feed Hälsingland
- networking with ERFA-farms and mentors
- creating a plan for mentor and apprenticeship training aimed at the ERFA-farms and students
- making a final report
- administering, accounting, and writing reports.
THERESE WESTLÉN, PROJECT MANAGER, FEED HÄLSINGLAND:
”Feed Hälsingland creates conditions for more local food producers, strengthens the region's self-sufficiency, builds resilience for future crises, and provides a vibrant countryside with new job opportunities and hope for the future.”
We check in with the project 260909
FARM VISITS IN THE PRE-STUDY
Currently, farm visits and interviews with educational institutions and practitioners of Apprenticeship Programs are ongoing.
PER-HANS FARM, RENGSJÖ, BOLLNÄS
At Per-Hans Farm in Rengsjö, Friedrich and Lydia Seibt run vegetable cultivation and sell eggs.
LITTLE DAIRY, KILAFORS, BOLLNÄS
Annika Berglund runs Little Dairy together with Anna Kraft. Anna Kraft in the picture. The farm has cows, heifers, calves, and hens and sells milk, cow cheese, and cheese cake.
KLANG'S FARM, NOLHED, MO, SÖDERHAMN
Annelie Larsson runs Klang's farm with vegetable cultivation, work training placements, and course activities.
THERSE WESTLÉN, PROJECT MANAGER, LJUSDAL IN THE CENTER, 260909:
💬 What does the project mean for the community?
By establishing a network of ERFA-farms – experience farms that offer mentorship and practical training – we lower the barriers for new smallholders to dare to start. The goal is at least one ERFA-farm in each Hälsingekommun, and that each farm should result in at least three new food producers. This means more profitable agricultural businesses, which in turn creates jobs and strengthens employment in the green sectors.
The project is not just about food production. It is about building a vibrant countryside with hope for the future. By investing in cultivation models that provide good soil health and thriving ecosystems, we create a long-term sustainable food chain.
In a time of crisis and uncertainty, the project becomes even more important. By increasing the share of locally produced food, we strengthen Hälsingland's civil preparedness and make the food chain more resilient. Shorter supply chains and reduced dependence on external inputs also have a positive climate impact.
In short: Mata Hälsingland creates conditions for more local food producers, strengthens the region's self-sufficiency, builds resilience for future crises, and provides a vibrant countryside with new jobs and hope for the future. It is an investment in the future of all of Hälsingland. Currently, we have potential ERFA farms in the municipalities: Ovanåker, Bollnäs, Söderhamn, and Ljusdal. Right now, farm visits and interviews with educational institutions and practitioners of apprenticeship programs are ongoing.
Project type
Pre-study
Project owner
Ovanåker municipality
Intervention area
Smart countryside
CONTACT & INFORMATION
Project leader
Therese Westlén
