Gunnar Rundgren, Honorary Doctor of Agricultural Science

Gunnar Rundgren is a farmer, consultant, debater, author and lecturer. Since 1977, he has worked with most areas of the organic farming sector – from farm work to policy. In 1985, he was one of the founders of the Swedish organic certification organisation, KRAV. As part of his role as founder and senior consultant of Grolink AB, he has worked for several United Nations agencies and development cooperation organisations – including the World Bank. Between 2000 and 2005, he was President of the International Federation of Organic Agriculture. He has been a member of the Royal Swedish Agricultural Academy since 2009.

When KRAV was founded, visionary strategist Gunnar Rundgren understood that standardised controls and labelling would be a valuable tool for both customers and producers in the work towards environmentally friendly agriculture. He is deeply committed to international operations, and has experience of development work in Africa, Asia, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. Gunnar Rundgren is an important voice in the debate around agricultural development issues, in everything from cultivation technology to market systems and organisation. He contributes through his knowledge, but also by challenging established positions both within and outside academia.

The role of food-producing animals in a sustainable food system is an important topic for SLU’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science. Gunnar Rundgren’s stance is clear on this issue and the discussions about food systems and food supply. He combines his own extensive experience in primary production with an ability to review and use scientific sources to develop and support reasoning. His strong presence in public debate thereby contributes to facts-based discourse.