Knowledge centre – NordGen Farm Animals
The genetic diversity that our Nordic native farm animal breeds carry is invaluable. Over hundreds of years, they have developed desirable traits that make them robust and well adapted to the Nordic climate and way of life. Native breeds have a wider genetic base than commercial breeds and great potential for future food production in a sustainable way. For example, research shows that milk from Nordic native cattle breeds is among the best in the world when it comes to cheesemaking and contain valuable nutrients that could be used to develop bioactive food components. If further investigated, the variation found in the local breeds can help adapt Nordic agriculture to the needs of the market, climate change and new production systems. However, many of the ~160 Nordic farm animal breeds are at risk of extinction today. NordGen Farm Animals is working to reverse that trend.
Key activities
In 2025, much of our work focused on laying groundwork for future activities, across research, collaboration, and strategic development. Several project proposals were prepared to broaden the portfolio, including initiatives such as NordWool, Nola sheep, and Ålandsheep. These were followed by the first steps in implementation, in line with research plans.
Building foundations for major projects and concepts
Norwegian Telemarksfe, one the many Nordic farm animal breeds.
Collaboration was strengthened across Nordic and international networks. In particular, our active involvement in The European Regional Focal Point for Animal Genetic Resources ERFP, through ad hoc work on landscape management and the Northern European Native horse network strengthened NordGen’s role as a key coordinator of animal genetic resources in the region.
A growing part of the work focused on using data to support conservation and decision-making, particularly through FAO’s DAD-IS database. This also included initial steps towards a Nordic reporting framework to improve monitoring and make information on animal genetic resources transparent for the public.
Focus on wool, Nordic native sheep, and communication
Main focus of the year was the development of activities related to Nordic wool and native sheep genetic resources. In NordWool, most work was about preparatory activities aimed at establishing a foundation for future implementation.
Another key objective was to increase the nordic native breeds’ visibility and appreciation among the public. Communication and stakeholder engagement were further strengthened through:
- The publication of breed stories on NordGens's website.
- Articles in Finland on NordWool and Ålandsheep aimed at the general public.
- Active participation in workshops, meetings, and stakeholder forums.
Two breed stories from 2025: The Åland sheep and the Swedish Ardennes. Photos by Kaie Ahlskog and Avelsföreningen Svenska Ardennerhästen.
Faroese horse attracted attention in Denmark
Another example of successful communication regarding Nordic farm animal breeds took place in in June, as a press release from NordGen was well received and widely shared on social media and by various Danish and Faroese news outlets. The press release concerned a unique foal birth in Denmark as for the first time in over a century, a Faroese horse was born outside the Faroe Islands. This event marked a huge step forward in the ongoing efforts to safeguard the small and critically endangered breed. The news coverage included several news articles and TV reports on the Danish broadcaster TV2’s various platforms.
Project activities
A mentioned in this chapter, a significant part of the work conducted during 2025 in the farm animal section was carried out in various projects. Read more about theses activites i the chapter Projects.
One of the news features from Danish TV2.
NordGen Farm Animals is a service and knowledge centre working to conserve and promote sustainable management of the animal genetic resources in the Nordic region. Contributing to the Nordic countries’ own work by promoting the genetic, economic, cultural, historical and social values that come with a wide variety of different animals in Nordic agriculture.
NordGen Farm Animals’ activities are providing tools and advice to preserve the genetic variation in living populations (in situ) but also to establish cryo-storage of genetic material (ex situ). Through a variety of projects, NordGen Farm Animals are working to initiate research and development projects related to categorization, conservation, management and sustainable use of animal genetic resources.
NordGen Farm Animals also organizes workshops, seminars and courses for various Nordic stakeholders and promotes good collaboration between them. Actively distributes information about animal genetic resources and partake in international networks. Works to promote sustainable breeding practices and good principles for fair trade in animal genetic material.