Sweden's Farmers Are Fighting Drought, Pests, and a Changing Climate — and Sweet Potatoes Might Be Their Secret Weapon
Sweden's farms are under pressure from drought and pests as the climate warms, and researchers say new crops and technology could help protect the country's food supply.
Sweden's farms are changing. A warmer climate now allows farmers to grow soy, wine grapes, and melons — crops that once seemed impossible in the Nordic country. But this new opportunity comes with serious problems.
Drought is becoming more common. Soil damage is increasing. And a wave of hard-to-stop pests is spreading across the land [245993]. These threats are putting pressure on Sweden's food supply and forcing farmers to adapt.
In response, Swedish farmers and researchers are turning to new technology to help agriculture survive the future climate [245993].
One promising solution is the sweet potato. Researchers and farmers hope it will become a new domestic crop. The sweet potato is tough, needs few resources, and is in high demand. The goal is to grow varieties with more colors and flavors than the imported ones sold today [245992].
By developing crops that can handle harsh conditions, Sweden aims to reduce its dependence on imports and build a more resilient food system. The push reflects a broader effort to protect ordinary people's access to food as the climate shifts.