The transition towards sustainable food systems : A study on the development of aquaponics andits market penetration in Sweden

Abstract: A food system includes many processes and actors that interact at different levels to maintain human` access to food. As the need for the food increases due to population growth, the activities associated with obtaining the food led to pressure on the environment. Climate change, nitrogen and phosphorus flows, ocean acidification, biodiversity loss, and extinction of species are directly related to the agri-food system. Therefore, transforming food production in line with the principles of the SDGs is a major challenge for all of humanity. Aquaponics (AP) is an innovative method of food production that offers sustainability solutions and therefore may be an option for the agri-food transformation. The aim of this thesis was to understand the opportunities and barriers for AP development in Sweden and how AP may penetrate the mainstream market. A qualitative study was conducted with representatives of the Swedish agri-food system where the data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed throw the theoretical lens of the multi-level perspective (MLP) and the concept of protective space. Results showed that there are possibilities as well as blocking mechanisms for the development of AP in Sweden concerning conventional fish and vegetable production. To leave the innovation space and integrate into the market, it is necessary to transform the regime by stretching the legislation and changing the norms and routine for the AP integrated system. Since the AP product fits the norms of the market and the consumers food culture, its further distribution depends on enlightenment and marketing strategies.