Profit over subsistence? – The role of private corporations, the state and academia in embracing an ecofeminist forest concept as part of an agroecological transformation : a case study of Sweden

Abstract: In recent times which require systemic change, agroecology demands a conceptual transformation of the food system. Its counter-hegemonic approach aligns with radical theories like ecofeminism and envisions an alternative future: a new socio-ecological paradigm which rethinks different landscape structures as one interconnected ecosystem. An ecofeminist forest concept, which this study elaborates, is one visionary idea which can facilitate an agroecological future. In Sweden forests build the backbone of an intensive bioeconomy that is established by the main actors of private corporations, the state and academia alike. Forests cover most of Sweden’s land and hence assume an important role for agroecology. Yet, forest concepts, which shape how humans perceive the forest, influence decision-making and change within the forest and beyond and therefore affect agroecological transformations, often remain untouched. Their power is seldomly assessed. To identify the conceptual possibilities of an agroecological shift in the case of Sweden, this critical, interview-based study uncovers how some corporate, governmental, and academic actors conceptualize the forest. The study analyses whether these particular concepts or considered alternatives might lay the conceptual groundwork for an agroecological future which builds on ecofeminist ideas. The analysis shows that the analyzed corporate, governmental, and academic actors share a powerful forest concept which does not align with an ecofeminist forest concept for agroecological change. Critical, indigenous and historically developed, caring perspectives on the forest describe alternative ways of seeing the forest. Even though these perspectives are marginalized, they can enhance an agroecological transformation because they already now show resistance to socio-ecological conditions that work against agroecological change.