HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden Highlights Protection of Baltic Sea

During Baltic Sea Day in August 2024, HRH Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden participated in a gypsum application field demostration organized by the Race For The Baltic foundation. The event underscored the importance of sustainable agricultural practices to protect the Baltic Sea from eutrophication.

Photo: © Ida Åkesson/SPA

Eutrophication Challenge of the Baltic Sea 

The Baltic Sea is currently facing severe environmental threats, with one significant issue being nutrient leakage from agricultural soils. This runoff leads to eutrophication, causing harmful algal blooms and oxygen depletion, which pose a threat to the marine ecosystem. The GYPREG project aims to address this issue by promoting the use of gypsum on farmland. The gypsum method has been proven to mitigate phosphorus leakage and soil erosion. The project’s goal is to expand gypsum treatment across various countries, including Sweden, Finland, Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania.

 Field Visit at Sättra Gård

During the visit to Sättra Gård in southern Sweden, HRH Crown Princess Victoria observed a live demonstration of gypsum applications, which showcased both manual and equipment-based methods of gypsum spreading. The field visit was hosted by farmer Mats Eriksson. Representatives from the Research Institutes of Sweden, the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Hushållningssällskapet, and Agraria Ord & Jord were present to share their expertise on the subject.
As project partner, Race For The Baltic is committed to further exploring the potential of gypsum treatment as a solution to combat nutrient pollution from agriculture, ensuring a healthier Baltic Sea in the future. 

Photo: © Ida Åkesson/SPA

Video: Pelle Karlsson/SPA

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