Eskil Erlandsson

2013

Press release 08 April 2013 Ministry for Rural Affairs Wood construction in focus at Nordic conference Decision-makers and experts from across the Nordic region will gather to discuss wood construction at the Wood Construction Conference in Växjö on 9 April. Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will be there to speak about the Government's investment in the Forest Kingdom vision and about wood construction as one of the focus areas of this vision.

Time and place Related Time: Tuesday 9 April, 13.00 - 17.30 The Forest Kingdom - with Place: The Residence of the County Governor, Stortorget in Växjö values for the world

"I hope that with this conference in Växjö we can help to raise interest in building with wood. I want more people to become aware of the potential of the forest, and in particular of wood as a building material. Not only does this contribute to dynamic rural areas by creating jobs, it also benefits the environment to use a External links climate-smart material," says Mr Erlandsson. Conference: Modern Industrial Wood Construction The Wood Construction Conference in Växjö will take place over two days, on 9-10 April. The aim of the - on a path towards a bio- conference is to increase interest in wood construction and to ensure that in the future more buildings are based economy made from wood, both in Sweden and in the Nordic region as a whole.

Mr Erlandsson will give the opening speech of the conference and take part in a panel discussion on future challenges and opportunities in this area.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Charlotta Eriksson Political Adviser +46 8 405 10 00 email to Charlotta Eriksson, via the Senior registry clerk Press release 26 February 2013 Ministry for Rural Affairs Minister wants to export Swedish school dinner model School dinners and Swedish and Nordic food will be the focus when Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson visits Washington DC from 27 February to 1 March. Sustainable development in the forestry sector is also on the agenda during the visit.

"In Sweden it is taken for granted that schools serve healthy, nutritious food to pupils. I want to export this model to the US because I consider this a rights issue. During my visit, I will also raise the right to school dinners with the US Department of Agriculture," says Mr Erlandsson.

While in the US, Mr Erlandsson will meet representatives of the Department of Agriculture to discuss school dinners and Swedish and Nordic food in general.

He will also visit a school that has taken part in a school dinners project, meet representatives of the forestry authorities and agricultural organisations and, with Sweden holding the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers, take part in the Nordic Cool cultural festival at the Kennedy Center to promote the New Nordic Food cooperation project.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Hanna Berndtsson Press release 24 January 2013 Ministry for Rural Affairs Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministers launch Bocuse d'Or Europe 2014 in Lyon Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson and Minister for Trade Ewa Björling will travel to Lyon and the the World Cuisine Contest on 29-30 January, where Adam Dahlberg will be representing Sweden. During the contest in Lyon, the ministers will also launch the 2014 European Cuisine Contest, which will be held in Stockholm.

Time and place Related Tuesday 29 January Sweden - the new culinary Sweden's fish dish leaves the kitchen at 13.10 nation Sweden's meat dish leaves the kitchen at 13.45

Press briefing, launch of Bocuse d'Or Europe 2014 Time: 16.00 Place: VIP village GL event area

Wednesday 30 January "Try Swedish" mingle at Business Sweden's exhibition stand at the Sirha international food exhibition. Swedish suppliers will be offering samples of Swedish products and Dr Björling will speak on the theme 'A food export nation and a gastronomic travel destination'. Tid: 14.30 Place: Sirha international food exhibition, exhibition stand 6D130

Official photograph, Bocuse d'Or Europe 2014 Time: 15.45 Place: Stockholm exhibition stand

Prize ceremony Time: 17.30 Place: contest area

"The chefs representing Sweden in wider contexts, such as the World Cuisine Contest, the European Cuisine Contest and the Culinary Olympics, are the vanguard of Culinary Sweden. I believe in Adam Dahlberg and his extensive expertise. It will also be extremely exciting to launch the European Cuisine Contest in Sweden," says Mr Erlandsson.

Mr Dahlberg is representing Sweden in Bocuse d'Or 2013, also known as the World Cuisine Contest. HRH Prince Carl-Philip, Mr Erlandsson and Dr Björling will be in Lyon to offer Mr Dahlberg their support and draw attention to Culinary Sweden, as well as to demonstrate the high level of gastronomy Sweden has to offer.

During the competition in Lyon, Mr Erlandsson and Dr Björling will also present Sweden's plans for Bocuse d'Or Europe 2014, the European Cuisine Contest, at a press conference. The contest will be arranged in Stockholm in May next year.

"Considering the most recent results in the European Cuisine Contest and the World Cuisine Contest, where Sweden, Norway and Denmark dominated the podium, it is clear the world's gastronomic focus is on the Nordic region. I hope that Sweden, through Mr Dahlgren, will now be able to bring home the first gold medal since 1997, when Matthias Dahlgren won the competition. Approximately 56 000 people work in the Swedish food industry, and our export of food products amounts to just over SEK 55 billion today, so it is an important sector," says Dr Björling.

The cuisine contest is one of the events at the Sirha international food exhibition, where several Swedish companies will be on hand. Business Sweden will be represented at the Swedish Pavilion, where visitors will have the opportunity to meet Swedish businesses and sample their products.

Bocuse d'Or in brief Bocuse d'Or is one of the world's most prestigious cooking competitions, considered the world championship for chefs. The contest was launched in 1987 and was named after its founder, Chef Paul Bocuse. A total of 24 chefs from 24 different countries compete to see who can prepare the best fish dish and meat dish for 14 guests in 5 hours and 35 minutes. 'Sweden - the new culinary nation' in brief Sweden - the new culinary nation is a vision about creating more jobs and economic growth, primarily through initiatives that focus on cuisine and food production in combination with tourism. This vision has produced an action plan with five focus areas: food in public institutions, primary production, processed food, food tourism and restaurants.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Monica Enqvist Press Secretary +46 8 405 10 00 email Press release 21 January 2013 Ministry for Rural Affairs Minister for Rural Affairs takes new grip on pigs' ears Another step is now being taken for the export of food and food technology to China. Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will visit Beijing on 23-25 January, with the expectation of creating conditions to increase the export of such products as pork and chicken.

"Swedish food products have great sales potential in China. The middle class is growing and is demanding high-quality, wholesome and safe products. Swedish companies are able to contribute all of this," says Mr Erlandsson.

Mr Erlandsson and a business delegation will visit Beijing on 23-25 January. During the visit, Mr Erlandsson will meet Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu, Minister of the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine Zhi Shuping, and Minister of State Forestry Administration Jia Zhibang to discuss issues concerning agriculture, food and forestry.

The purpose of the visit is to showcase Swedish food, food companies and food technology companies, as well as to assist Swedish companies in developing contacts in China.

"This summer, China's Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu and I signed a cooperation agreement. My hope is that we can realise this agreement during the coming visit by not only developing trade between our two countries, but also by deepening cooperation in areas such as research and development, food technology and animal husbandry," says Mr Erlandsson.

Swedish companies involved in milk production technology and oat products are already successful in China. Mr Erlandsson will therefore speak at a seminar on oats during his visit in China, as well as make a visit to a dairy farm that uses Swedish technology.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Hanna Berndtsson 2012

Press release 31 October 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson working to export Swedish chicken feet The Chinese market is crying out for Swedish chicken feet, milk powder and pigs' ears. Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will lead a trade delegation to China and Hong Kong on 7-10 November. Swedish food and forestry will be the focus of the visit, in the hope of increasing exports of Swedish foodstuffs and other primary products.

"There are great opportunities to export Swedish primary products such as forestry products and foodstuffs to China and Hong Kong. One clear aim of Sweden - the new culinary nation, for example, is to double Swedish food exports and I think China could play a significant role in that," says Mr Erlandsson. Related Sweden - the new culinary The aim of Mr Erlandsson's visit to China, the province of Guangdong and Hong Kong is to promote Swedish nation forestry and food interests on the Chinese market. He will meet representatives of the government in Hong The forest Kingdom - with Kong and business representatives, among others. values for the world

The Chinese market is currently undergoing major and rapid changes as the economy expands, and this is paving the way for food exporters to establish themselves on the market. A business delegation will also travel to China and Hong Kong in the hope of developing Swedish food exports.

Mr Erlandsson will also visit Hong Kong Polytechnic University, which collaborates with Swedish universities on nutritional science. During Mr Erlandsson's visit, Lund University and Örebro University will also sign a cooperation agreement with the Polytechnic University in the area of hospitality education.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Hanna Berndtsson Press release 12 October 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Forestry cooperation between Sweden and Indonesia The focus will be on forestry issues when State Secretary Magnus Kindbom travels to Indonesia on 15-19 October. The aim of his trip is to promote cooperation between Swedish and Indonesian actors in the forest and forestry sector.

"Cooperation across national borders can benefit both the environment and the forest industry. I hope the Swedish approach of using without using up will also make an impression," says Mr Kindbom. Related One of the items on Mr Kindbom's agenda is an opening address at a seminar on the climate, forests and the The Forest Kingdom - with path to a bio-based economy. values for the world

During his visit to Indonesia, Mr Kindbom will also take part in a forest excursion, visit the forestry research centre CIFOR in Bogor, and meet Indonesian ministers for talks on forests, the climate and agriculture.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Hanna Berndtsson Press release 25 September 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Ministry takes part in international forest week World Forest Week is being organised in Rome on 24-28 September. In connection with the event, a session of the FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO) is being held. State Secretary Magnus Kindbom of the Ministry for Rural Affairs is leading the Swedish delegation.

Topics being discussed at World Forest Week include the outcome of the Rio+20 meeting held in Brazil last summer. The forest's role in poverty reduction efforts and for progress towards a green economy will also be discussed. Related The Forest Kingdom - with The State of the World's Forests 2012 report will also be released during the week. values for the world

Sweden has held the chair of COFO since 2010, and will hand over the chairmanship during the session. External links About COFO: The FAO Committee on Forestry (COFO) has three main programmes: forest resources, forestry products and Read more about World forest economy; forest policy; and forestry information. Major emphasis is placed on competence-building Forest Week: and network-building in the countries in need.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Hanna Berndtsson Press release 17 September 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Commissioner for agriculture to visit northern Sweden There are differences in environment, nature and agriculture between the southern and northern areas of Europe. Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will meet Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development Dacian Ciolos in Haparanda on Tuesday 18 September to show the conditions that prevail in northern Sweden.

Time and place Time: Tuesday 18 September, 12.00 - 13.00 Place: Farm visit, Tandfors 37, Lappträsk

"Europe is large, and both the countryside and the conditions differ between north and south, and between east and west. We need regulations that can be adapted to the widely differing conditions for agriculture that exist within the Union. It is therefore important that the agricultural policy that we agree on is flexible and takes account of the major differences that exist between EU Member States," says Mr Erlandsson.

Negotiations on the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are underway within the EU, and Mr Erlandsson wants to show Mr Ciolos the unique conditions that exist in northern Sweden. Sweden and Finland have jointly invited the Commissioner so that he can see and experience the northern parts of Europe.

On Tuesday, Mr Erlandsson will meet Finland's agriculture minister and the Commissioner to discuss the Nordic conditions as regards agriculture and rural areas. Mr Erlandsson and Mr Ciolos will also visit a farm in Tandfors. The media is invited to take part in the visit to the farm.

If you wish to attend, please notify Hanna Berndtsson.

Contact Hanna Berndtsson Press release 31 August 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Trade between Sweden and China facilitated An agreement to facilitate trade between Sweden and China, enhance safety in agriculture and increase quality in food production was signed by Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson and Chinese Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu today.

"This agreement paves the way for future enhanced cooperation with China in the green industries. It also gives a boost to companies that are already established in China, or that are working to gain a foothold in the market there," says Mr Erlandsson. Related Press invitation: China and Han Changfu and Eskil Erlandsson signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Friday. Sweden and China Sweden to sign cooperation will work on the basis of this broad agreement to facilitate trade between the two countries, by eliminating agreements technical barriers to trade, for example. Press release: Enhanced cooperation between China This agreement also contains paragraphs on quality and safety in agricultural and food production. and Sweden

The two countries will also exchange information on a range of issues, including animal husbandry, animal welfare, restraint in the use of antibiotics and other veterinary matters. An exchange of information on organic farming and organic products, and environmental work in agriculture and in rural areas, is also included in the agreement.

"I also hope that the exchange of information between our agricultural universities will benefit both Sweden and China," says Mr Erlandsson.

Mr Erlandsson will visit China in November to follow up on Friday's meeting. It is hoped that the agreement signed by the ministers on Friday in Stockholm will also give a boost to companies in the dairy and oats industries and to other Swedish companies that are already operating in China or wish to build activities there.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Hanna Berndtsson Press release 30 August 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Press invitation: China and Sweden to sign cooperation agreements Two cooperation agreements between Sweden and China will be signed on Friday 31 August. The press is invited to the signing ceremony for a photo opportunity and a press conference.

Time and place Related Time: Friday 31 August. Signing of agreements and photo opportunity 10.15. Press conference 10.35. Press release: Trade between Place: Ministry for Rural Affairs, Fredsgatan 8, Stockholm Sweden and China facilitated Press release: Enhanced Chinese Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu and Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will sign a cooperation between China Memorandum of Understanding on enhanced cooperation and exchanges of information between ministries, and Sweden government agencies, the academic world and industries in the agriculture and food sectors.

China Agricultural University, which is part of the Chinese delegation, and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), will also sign a cooperation agreement on Friday.

In connection with the signing ceremony, the press is invited to a press conference with Mr Erlandsson and representatives of SLU, and a photo opportunity with the two ministers.

Prior notification of attendance and press credentials are required. If you wish to attend, please notify Madeleine van der Veer.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Hanna Berndtsson Press release 28 August 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Enhanced cooperation between China and Sweden Enhanced future cooperation between Sweden and China is the goal when Han Changfu, China's Minister of Agriculture, visits Sweden this week. Han Changfu will meet Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson and visit a number of companies.

"The potential to develop our trade relations with China is great. I am looking forward to the meeting with Han Changfu and a rewarding cooperation between our countries in the future," says Mr Erlandsson. Related On Wednesday 29 August, Chinese Minister of Agriculture Han Changfu will visit Sweden to meet Minister for Press invitation: China and Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson. During the three-day visit, Han Changfu will also visit a number of companies. Sweden to sign cooperation agreements On Friday 31 August, Han Changfu and Eskil Erlandsson will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Press release: Trade between enhanced cooperation and exchanges of information between ministries, government agencies, the academic Sweden and China facilitated world and industries in the agriculture and food sectors.

A photo opportunity and a press conference will be held in connection with the meeting.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Hanna Berndtsson Press release 24 August 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Minister for Rural Affairs to meet FAO head The Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) is to visit Sweden. Food security and forestry issues will be on the agenda when José Graziano da Silva meets Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson on Monday, 27 August.

"The work of the FAO is extremely important and I look forward to meeting Mr Graziano da Silva to speak about the importance of agriculture, fishing and forestry for people in the poor parts of the world. The conditions for women, who make up a large part of the world's farmers, need to be particularly highlighted", External links says Mr Erlandsson. Link to the official FAO website Mr Graziano da Silva and Mr Erlandsson will discuss a range of issues, including rising food prices. Forestry issues, food wastage and production losses along the whole food production chain are also on the meeting's agenda.

Mr Graziano da Silva is from Brazil and has been FAO Director-General since 1 January 2012.

Contact Madeleine van der Veer Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Madeleine van der Veer, via the Senior registry clerk Hanna Berndtsson Press Assistant to Eskil Erlandsson +46 72 531 28 58 +46 8 405 28 58 Press release 19 June 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Västeråser speaks out at Rio+20 State Secretary Magnus Kindbom from Västerås has just arrived at the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro. On the agenda are such issues as eliminating hunger while simultaneously tackling climate change and creating a sustainable green economy.

"We need to improve the long-term use of our resources in ways that are effective, equitable, climate-smart and sustainable. A key to accomplishing this is collaboration and learning from others," says Mr Kindbom, State Secretary at the Ministry for Rural Affairs. External links More about Rio+20 Rio+20 is being held this week in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mr Kindbom is heading the delegation from the Ministry for Rural Affairs. Sustainable agriculture and forestry, along with global food security, are some of the issues that will be discussed. Issues regarding gender equality, energy production and how agriculture and forestry products can help to raise incomes for poor people and improve the environment and climate are also of interest to the Ministry's delegation.

Contact Hanna Berndtsson Press release 05 June 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Meeting to boost export opportunities to Russia State Secretary Magnus Kindbom will visit Russia on 4-6 June. Talks and discussions during his visit will centre on forestry and agriculture.

"The potential for exports to Russia is great. It is important for Sweden to open up export opportunities for raw materials from both forestry and agriculture. I hope that the visit will serve as a catalyst for our trade relations with Russia," says Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson. Related The Forest Kingdom - with During his three-day visit to Moscow, Mr Kindbom will meet with Russian Government representatives values for the world involved in forestry and agricultural issues. Mr Kindbom will also be meeting Swedish businesses operating in Sweden - the new culinary Russia's agriculture and forestry sectors. nation

Contact Anna-Karin Nyman Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson Hanna Berndtsson Press release 28 May 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Swedish forestry benefits from cooperation The differences and similarities between the two forestry countries of Sweden and Canada will be discussed at a seminar at the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry on Monday 28 May. Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will speak on the Government's 'A forest kingdom' initiative during the meeting.

Time and place Related Time: Monday 28 May, 12.00 - 14.30 The Forest Kingdom - with Place: Drottninggatan 95 B, Stockholm values for the world

"Sweden and Canada have many common challenges yet, at the same time, very different conditions and ways of managing their forests. My hope is that we can share lessons learned in terms of forestry. I believe we have much to learn from each other," says Mr Erlandsson.

Mr Erlandsson will speak on Sweden's forestry policy and on the 'A forest kingdom' initiative at the Royal Swedish Academy of Agriculture and Forestry's seminar in Stockholm. The seminar, which is about similarities and differences in forestry in the two forest-rich countries, will also be attended by representatives from Canada.

Contact Anna-Karin Nyman Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson Hanna Berndtsson Press release 16 May 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Forests in focus during discussion on climate Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will speak about bioenergy and ash recycling at an international seminar in Växjö on Wednesday 16 May. The seminar is being arranged by the Swedish Forest Agency, with invited guests from Estonia and Latvia.

Time and place Related Time: Wednesday 16 May 15.00-17.00 The Forest Kingdom - with Place: Best Western Hotel Royal Corner, Liedbergsgatan 11, Växjö values for the world

"Forests are key in the work to meet the climate challenge. Forests can store carbon dioxide, provide renewable energy and replace products currently based on oil. To make use of forests without exhausting them requires a clear ecocycle approach, both in the forests and in society in general. I look forward to External links discussing these issues with the guests from Estonia and Latvia," says Mr Erlandsson. Wood Energy and Cleantech

Representatives of government agencies, the forest industry and forest research from Estonia and Latvia will visit the Swedish Forest Agency seminar in Växjö. Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson and experts from the Swedish Forest Agency and SkogForsk will participate and speak during the seminar which will mainly focus on the Swedish method of working with ash recycling in forests, which has aroused international interest, as well as bioenergy.

The seminar is being held during two days in Växjö and is part of the Wood Energy and Cleantech project. Mr Erlandsson will participate on Wednesday 16 May.

Contact Anna-Karin Nyman Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson Hanna Berndtsson Press release 11 May 2012 Ministry for Foreign Affairs Ministry for Rural Affairs Fairer conditions for the world's farmers The Committee on World Food Security (CFS) today endorsed the Voluntary Guidelines on Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests. The CFS is a joint committee consisting of UN bodies and civil society.

The Guidelines were produced with the help of representatives of several countries, the business sector and civil society. They provide guidance to states and national authorities that manage and use land, fisheries and forests. In the longer term they are meant to contribute to achieving food security and reducing poverty. External links From a Swedish perspective, it is hoped that the Guidelines will improve famers', and particularly women's, rights of ownership and use of land, and that natural resources are used in a more sustainable manner. FAO Voluntary Guidelines

"Responsible governance of land issues is, in itself, extremely important to poverty-oriented economic growth in many developing countries where many poor people are dependent on using natural resources to make a living. Land issues are key to being able to promote responsible investments - investments that are very important for many developing countries to be able to increase their agricultural production and ensure sustainable food supplies," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Gunilla Carlsson.

"The strength of the Voluntary Guidelines is that they are based on rights and highlight issues important to Sweden, such as rights of ownership and use. This particularly applies to women, who are often the ones who work the land. These issues are important, not least as regards justice, access to food and jobs that provide a chance to break out of poverty," says Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson.

Contact André Mkandawire Acting Press Secretary to Gunilla Carlsson +46 8 405 59 39 +46 704 06 14 10 Anna-Karin Nyman Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson Press release 23 March 2012 Ministry for Rural Affairs Swedish school meals - a model for Germany? School meals will be in focus when Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson meets German Agriculture Minister Ilse Aigner in Berlin on Monday 26 March. Healthy food and school meals of the future are to be discussed.

Time and place Time: Monday 26 March at 17.00 Place: Swedish Embassy, Berlin

"Public meals are important, and that's why they are one of the focus areas in the vision of Sweden - the new culinary nation. It is very pleasing that more and more people are realising the importance of nutritious, well-prepared and tasty school meals. I am also very happy that Swedish school meals have such a good reputation in the rest of Europe," says Mr Erlandsson.

On Monday 26 March, Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will meet Germany's Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection, Ilse Aigner, at a round-table discussion on public meals and school meals in Berlin. German and Swedish experts will also participate. The meeting will focus on healthy school meals that are both nutritious and sustainable. School meals are a hot topic in Germany. Sweden and Finland are unique in providing 'free' school lunches throughout compulsory school.

Contact Anna-Karin Nyman Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson Hanna Berndtsson 2011

Press release 31 October 2011 Ministry for Rural Affairs Inspiration for New York from Sweden, the culinary nation On Sunday, Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will arrive in New York. During his visit, Mr Erlandsson hopes to inspire the residents of New York with Swedish cuisine. The term covers everything from coffee and cake to nutritious school food.

In both the United States and Sweden, the food industry is one of the biggest employers. During his visit, Mr Erlandsson will be promoting the initiative 'Sweden - the new culinary nation', with hopes of major export opportunities for both Swedish products and cuisine in the United States. Related Sweden - the new culinary Mr Erlandsson's programme in New York includes visits to: nation The Farmers' Market Gotham Greens, a greenhouse facility in the city Promise Academy Charter School in Harlem, a project that teaches healthy eating The Swedish-owned café FIKA, which has introduced Swedish coffee culture to the United States The 'From Farm to Fork' conference, where Mr Erlandsson will speak under the heading of 'Know your farmer, know your food'

For more information about Mr Erlandsson's visit to New York, please contact Press Assistant Hanna Berndtsson.

Contact Anna-Karin Nyman Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Anna-Karin Nyman, via the Senior Registry Clerk Hanna Berndtsson Press release 25 October 2011 Ministry for Rural Affairs The Forest Kingdom gets a helping hand from Canada Today, Tuesday, the minister responsible for forests, Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson, will travel to Canada to seek knowledge and find inspiration for the Government's new project 'The Forest Kingdom'. The objective is to create more and new jobs in Sweden based on the country's forests.

Canada is the world's largest exporter of forest raw materials. Approximately 600 000 people are employed in forestry, as compared with around 100 000 in Sweden. The aim of the Government's Forest Kingdom project is to create thousands of new jobs in industries based on the country's forests. One important factor in this is to increase exports of forest products and technical expertise.

During the visit, Mr Erlandsson will: Visit a Model Forest in Ottawa Study examples of new applications for wood fibres Visit field research in Quebec Meet the environment and agriculture ministers and a number of government agencies in Canada to discuss forestry, biodiversity and rural job opportunities

Members of the press are welcome to take part in the study visits. For more information about times and venues, please contact Press Assistant Hanna Berndtsson.

Contact Anna-Karin Nyman Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Anna-Karin Nyman, via the Senior Registry Clerk Hanna Berndtsson Press release 24 January 2011 Ministry for Rural Affairs Ministry for Foreign Affairs Reminder: Björling and Erlandsson to attend World Cuisine Contest in Lyon Minister for Trade Ewa Björling and Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will both be visiting Lyon, France on 25-26 January to attend the Bocuse d'Or, the World Cuisine Contest.

Tommy Myllymäki will represent Sweden, facing 23 other chefs, all of whom are among the absolute world elite.

The cuisine contest is one of the events at the Sirha international food exhibition, where several Swedish companies will be represented. The purpose of the visit is to draw attention to Culinary Sweden and to show the high level of gastronomy that Sweden has to offer.

H.R.H. Prince Carl Philip will also be present in Lyon, as will representatives of the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Trade Council and Visit Sweden.

Culinary Sweden in brief 'Sweden - the new culinary nation' is a vision about creating more jobs and economic growth, primarily through initiatives that focus on cuisine and food production in combination with tourism. This vision has produced an action plan with five focus areas: food in public institutions, primary production, processed food, food tourism and restaurants. (link to website http://www.regeringen.se/sb/d/12806 )

Contact Anna-Karin Nyman Press Secretary to Eskil Erlandsson +46 8 405 11 88 +46 70 519 01 59 email to Anna-Karin Nyman, via the Senior Registry Clerk Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press Secretary to Ewa Björling +46 8 405 37 11 +46 70 296 18 99 email to Monica Enqvist (fd Ohlsson) Press release 21 January 2011 Ministry for Rural Affairs Ministry for Foreign Affairs Björling and Erlandsson to attend World Cuisine Contest in Lyon Minister for Trade Ewa Björling and Minister for Rural Affairs Eskil Erlandsson will both be visiting Lyon, France on 25-26 January to attend the Bocuse d'Or, the World Cuisine Contest.

Tommy Myllymäki will represent Sweden, facing 23 other chefs, all of whom are among the absolute world elite.

H.R.H. Prince Carl Philip will also be present in Lyon, as will representatives of the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Trade Council and Visit Sweden.