Lantmännen invests SEK 100 million in new plant breeding facility in Svalöv

Lantmännen, one of Sweden’s leading agricultural cooperatives, plans to invest SEK 100 million ($8.9 million) in a new high-tech facility in Svalöv to enhance the efficiency and precision of its plant breeding operations. The investment builds on Lantmännen’s long-standing expertise and will incorporate advanced machine-learning models to accelerate crop development.

The Svalöv site plays a key role in developing crop varieties adapted to Nordic growing conditions. The new facility will enable the breeding of plants with improved stress tolerance, leading to higher and more stable yields and contributing to Sweden’s food security.

“The new facility is another step in creating long-term value for our customers, members, and employees. By developing the plant breeding of the future, we aim to contribute to a stronger Swedish agriculture,” said Lars-Gunnar Edh, Head of Lantmännen Lantbruk.

As part of the initiative, Lantmännen will bring its seed and grain analysis activities in-house, moving away from external partnerships. The shift is expected to shorten response times, improve efficiency, and strengthen quality control across production.

“By conducting the analyses ourselves, we strengthen both profitability and competence. It allows us to fully utilize our resources, develop new methods of working, and increase the precision of what we deliver to customers,” said Desirée Börjesdotter, Head of Plant Breeding at Lantmännen.

The in-house analysis operations will be accredited by Swedac, Sweden’s national accreditation authority.

“By expanding our operations in Svalöv, we are securing an efficient and forward-looking plant breeding operation. The extended analysis capacity enables better planning, greater flexibility, and even better service for Swedish farmers,” added Johannes Åkerblom, Head of Crop Production at Lantmännen.

Construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin in autumn 2025, with completion expected in the first half of 2027.

The initiative mirrors efforts by global seed developers and research institutes seeking to accelerate variety selection through advanced analytics. Similar programs are underway in North America, France, and Australia, as the sector looks to improve climate resilience and yield stability.