Arla has renewed its funding agreement with the Swedish Farmers’ Foundation for Agricultural Research (SLF), securing annual funding of around SEK 9.5 million for applied research to improve the competitiveness and sustainability of Swedish dairy production.
“Research is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of dairy farming. By continuing to support the Swedish Farmers’ Foundation for Agricultural Research, Arla’s farmer-owners are helping to develop new solutions that enhance the competitiveness, sustainability and profitability of Swedish dairy farms,” said Marita Wolf, Board Member of both Arla and SLF.
SLF is funded primarily by Swedish farmers through voluntary contributions collected via 48 member companies and industry organisations, including Arla. With the renewed agreement, Arla will continue to contribute approximately SEK 9.5 million each year to research and innovation.
”It is both encouraging and highly important for the profitability of dairy businesses that Arla has chosen to extend its agreement with SLF. Long-term commitments of this kind provide the stable funding needed for research that delivers practical benefits on farms. Sustained investment in research is essential to maintaining a competitive and sustainable dairy sector, both now and in the future,” said Mathilda Hollertz, Chief Executive Officer of SLF.
Each year, SLF distributes between SEK 65 million and SEK 75 million to new research and development projects. More than 70% of its funding comes from voluntary contributions by Swedish farmers through affiliated organisations, while the remaining 30% is provided through public co-financing from the Swedish Research Council for Sustainable Development (Formas).
In 2026, SLF celebrates its 40th anniversary. Over the past four decades, research funded by the foundation has played a significant role in the development of Swedish dairy farming.