Biodiversity, agriculture and food

The interest in biodiversity is growing – as part of companies' sustainability programs as well as a key issue for our agricultural systems. As an independent knowledge partner, we support stakeholders in measuring and reducing their impact on nature, understanding complex requirements and developing solutions for a sustainable food production.

Understanding and reducing the impact on biodiversity is an increasingly important part of companies' sustainability strategies – not only to meet new legal requirements and increased expectations from customers and investors, but also to identify business-related risks in the short and long term. At RISE, we work with the agricultural and food industry throughout the value chains, with the aim of supporting companies in mapping their impact on biodiversity – from farm to product level – and formulating targets and action plans. Furthermore, we foster innovation and development through applied research, often in partnership with universities, companies, and/or public sector.

What RISE offers

Business and innovation partner

RISE supports companies and the public sector to integrate biodiversity into their operations, in line with the global framework for biodiversity, the EU biodiversity strategy and directives such as CSRD/ESRS E4. Our work involves developing strategies and action plans, mapping dependencies and impacts on nature and ecosystems and setting science-based targets, for example according to frameworks such as Science Based Targets for Nature (SBTn). Furthermore, RISE can support companies in developing systems for data collection and indicators at farm level, as well as implementing new technologies that promote biodiversity, such as virtual fencing or digital insect monitoring. For companies that wish to do all or part of the work themselves, we offer expert support and coaching.

Our experts can for instance help you with:

Mapping your impact on biodiversity and nature
Developing biodiversity strategies and action plans
Quantifying the biodiversity impact of food with life cycle analysis and/or ecological risk assessments
Formulating science-based targets based on recognised frameworks
Data collection, indicators and monitoring of biodiversity at farm level
Identifying and managing conflicting goals between e.g. climate and biodiversity
Testing and implementation of measures that promote biodiversity in the agricultural landscape, including sustainable regenerative farming methods
Scientific evaluations, reports and literature reviews
Technical solutions to promote grazing in natural pastures

Independent research partner

We conduct research in collaboration with universities, research institutes, companies and public sectors, and contribute to a better understanding of how society can meet biodiversity-related challenges. We coordinate and lead, or participate in, national and international applied research projects. Most of our research projects are based on identified needs in the business sector and are conducted in collaboration with partners from the industry.

See examples of current and previous research projects at the bottom of the page.