Lida's Diversity Farming
The food we eat has a major impact on the climate and environment. Within the framework of this leader project, Isak Oscarsson has started a cultivation where environmentally conscious methods and biodiversity are in focus.
About the project
A small-scale cultivation where vegetables, fruit and berries are produced in a way that is sustainable for people and nature - that is the result of this project where Isak Oscarsson has kept environmentally conscious methods and biodiversity in focus.
Long-term and efficiency
Isak had decided to start a farm, but the Leader grant made it possible to acquire equipment and build the infrastructure to a size that could accommodate growth from the start. This saves resources, as equipment that is only suitable for a small farm and would need to be replaced in the event of an expansion never needed to be purchased.
During the project, Isak has managed to do a lot. He has built a large greenhouse of 300 square meters for heat-requiring crops and a greenhouse with benches for growing seedlings. He has also built a packing house for vegetable washing and storage, set up a container for tools and storage, and installed solar cells that, together with batteries, supply the cultivation with renewable energy.
The project has been characterized by environmentally friendly and sustainable choices. For example, Isak has plowed biochar into the cultivation beds, which helps to bind carbon, reduce nutrient leakage and improve soil quality. He has also drained the entire area and enclosed the cultivation with game fencing, which are important measures to enable year-round production. He has also hired local contractors for groundwork and chosen to use recycled materials where possible, which has reduced climate impact.
From the application
”"At full production, the farm should be able to deliver vegetable boxes to 100 families, every week, at least 25 weeks a year."”
A strong first season and positive results
The first growing season after the end of the project was a success, with almost all the vegetables produced sold. Customer interest has been high, and many have chosen to visit the farm to buy fresh vegetables directly on site, which has complemented the sales of vegetable boxes. The interest in the locally grown vegetables has exceeded expectations, and Lida's diversity cultivation has already begun to establish a loyal customer base in the area.
The future of Lida's Diversity Farming – expansion and new goals
After a successful start, Isak now plans to double production during the 2025 growing year. In the long term, the goal is to be able to offer capacity for approximately 100 vegetable boxes per week, as well as to expand the cultivation to include berries and nuts. Thanks to the project, Isak and the cultivation have a stable foundation for continued growth.
To spread interest in organic farming, Isak also has the ambition to host study visits in the future. By showcasing the farming methods and results, he hopes to inspire more people to invest in sustainable farming and increase knowledge about small-scale farming.
The board's decision justification
A well-founded and well-thought-out project that provides good conditions for diversity cultivation. The project contributes to reduced climate impact and increased knowledge about sustainable cultivation and local food production. The project is in line with Leader Sjuhärad's strategy.
About the project
Project period
2023-2024
Project owner
Isak Oscarsson, sole proprietorship
Project Manager
Isaac Oscarsson
0761 87 84 43
isak.oscarsson@gmail.com
The project in the media
Swedish Radio P1: Subscribe to vegetables – cooperative farming is growing in popularity
Alingsås newspaper 2024-08-04: Success for Vårgårda's largest organic farm (behind paywall)
Alingsås newspaper 2023-12-16: Homecoming Isak invests in organic farming and vegetable boxes (behind paywall)
Have you read or heard about the project in the media? Please share the article or broadcast with us: info@leader-sjuharad.se.
About the financing
Granted leader support
177 811 kr
Co-financing from applicants:
266,716 SEK
Total financing
444 527 kr
In addition to the above, the project has contributed with non-profit commitment worth SEK 77,010.
When supporting companies, a maximum of SEK 200,000 can be granted in Leader support. Support from Leader Sjuhärad in these cases consists of funds from the EU and the state.
Incoming EU funds have been granted from:
Rural Development Fund