The Swedish agriculture and forestry sector faces a dual challenge—to maintain productivity and food security and to accelerate the green transition. Sweden’s food self-sufficiency is only 50 percent and investments in tens of billions of Swedish kronor are required in order to ensure future food production and climate objectives. Forestry is one of the biggest carbon sinks in Sweden and gives many possibilities for both emission reductions and carbon capture. Agriculture is important for biodiversity, water purification and resilient ecosystems.
The Swedish finance landscape for agriculture and forestry is made up of specialist banks with deep sector knowledge, green bond frameworks that direct institutional capital to sustainable land management and advisory firms offering tax and business planning. Key trends include the emergence of green bonds targeting agriculture (following the pioneering 2018 forestry green bond from Landshypotek), precision farming investments and increasing integration of climate adaptation measures such as wetland creation and irrigation management. The five specialists profiled below are the most important players in this critical field.
Top 5 Swedish Agricultural & Forestry Finance Specialists
- Landshypotek Bank
- Lantmännen ek för
- LRF Ventures
- Ludvig & Co
- Rådek
A Closer Look at the Top 5 Swedish Agricultural & Forestry Finance Specialists
1. Landshypotek Bank
Landshypotek Bank is Sweden’s leading specialist bank for agriculture and forestry, with some 124,000 customers and a lending portfolio of SEK 115.7 billion. Founded to provide competitive financing solutions to companies within Sweden’s agricultural and forestry sectors, the bank has become a pioneer in green finance. In 2018, Landshypotek became the first issuer in the world of a green covered bond.
Key Services
- Green Covered Bonds: SEK 6 billion 5-year green bond (October 2025) with 75% earmarked for sustainable forestry and 25% for sustainable agriculture
- Traditional Lending: Competitive Borrowing Solutions for Agriculture, Forestry and Mortgage
- Savings Products: Individual and business deposit accounts.
- Sustainability Advice: Advice on Precise Farming, Biodiversity Measures and Climate Adaptation
Key Features
- Green Bond Framework: S&P Global Ratings assigned a “Medium Green” rating to this framework Forestry, agriculture, buildings and renewable energy
- Agricultural Financing Scope Covers biodiversity measures, precision farming, organic crop production, KRAV certified ruminant production, irrigation dams, cover ditches and wetland creation
- Forestry Focus: Sustainable Forest Management, Carbon Sequestration, Replacing Fossil-Based Products
- Institutional Investor Base 93% Swedish domestic investors Asset Managers (74%) Insurance and Pension Companies (17%) Central Banks (7%)
Achievements
- First issuer in the world of a green covered bond dedicated to sustainable forestry financing (2018)
- The first Swedish bank to include agricultural activities in a green bond framework that is open to all borrowers (2025)
- Lending portfolio of SEK 115.7 billion to 124,000 customers
- Successful SEK 6 billion green bond issue with 2.590% coupon (October 2025)
Feedback
‘With the framework, we are laying the foundations for a reconnection of capital markets with the financing of green industries,’ says Martin Kihlberg, Head of Sustainability at Landshypotek Bank. “As a leading bank in agricultural and forestry credit, it was natural for us to include agriculture-related investments in the updated framework”. “This innovative framework creates conditions for financing sustainable and local agriculture which Sweden needs more of,” said Lars Mac Key, Head of Sustainable Products at Danske Bank.
Contact Information
Website: www.landshypotek.se
2. Lantmännen ek för
Lantmännen is Sweden’s largest agricultural cooperative and a major player in agricultural finance and risk management. The cooperative is owned by some 20,000 Swedish farmers and is engaged in several areas such as plant breeding, seed and forage, inputs, farm machinery, construction machinery, financing, advisory and risk management. Lantmännen also provides goods and services for marketing, distribution, sales, processing and purchase of materials and equipment. In March 2024, Lantmännen issued a green bond framework under its Climate & Nature programme, a major step in channeling capital to sustainable agriculture .
Key Services
- Financing Solutions: Customized loans and credit facilities for cooperative members
- Managing Risk Price risk management tools in agricultural commodities
- Green Bond Framework Projects of the Funding for Climate & Nature Programme
- Advisory Services Business planning, investment analysis and sustainability advice
Key Features
- Cooperative ownership: 20,000 Swedish farmer-owners serving the needs of the sector
- Vertical Integration: Breeding, Inputs, Processing and Distribution
- Climate & Nature Programme: A structured financing approach to the transition to sustainable agriculture
- Green Bond pioneer – the first Swedish agricultural cooperative to issue a green bond framework
Achievements
- Founded in 2001 (operating in current structure) with deep roots in Swedish agriculture
- Issued Green Bond Framework in March 2024, setting a precedent for collaborative green finance
- Swedish farmers’ association LRF: Swedish agriculture needs tens of billions of kronor in investment to meet self-sufficiency and climate goals
- Headquarters in Stockholm with nation-wide member network
Feedback
Analysts in the industry note that Lantmännen’s green bond framework is linked to projects within its own Climate & Nature programme, unlike Landshypotek’s framework, which is open to all borrowers . The co-operative model ensures financing decisions are taken in the best interests of its members.
Contact Information
Website: www.lantmannen.se
3. LRF Ventures
LRF Ventures is a venture capital company owned by the Federation of Swedish Farmers (Lantbrukarnas Riksförbund, LRF), the largest membership organisation for farmers and forest owners in Sweden. The firm invests in early-stage Swedish agri and forestry startups with sustainable and innovative solutions to boost sector growth. LRF Ventures invests in Pre-Seed and Seed stage companies developing technologies and business models for solutions to problems in agriculture, forestry, food production and rural development .
Key Services
- Venture Capital Funding: Pre-Seed and Seed stage investments in agri and forestry startups
- Sector Expertise: Access to LRF’s network of farmers and forest owners
- Strategic Support: Portfolio management and business development assistance
- Main Features Ability Focus: Investing in green tech, food tech and sustainable solutions
Key Features
- LRF Backing: Supported by Sweden’s leading farmer and forest owner association
- Early Stage Focus: Focused on Pre-Seed and Seed stage startups
- Investment Focus: Sustainability, Food Tech and Green Tech
- Swedish focus: Invests only in Swedish agri and forestry innovation
Achievements
- Active investor in Swedish agri and forest technology
- Uses LRF’s network of tens of thousands of members across Sweden
- Helps to bridge the investment gap in agricultural innovation
- Serves as a link between old-fashioned farming and modern technology
Contact Information
Website: https://www.lrfventures.se/
4. Ludvig & Co
Ludvig & Co. is a Swedish professional services company with specialized expertise within finance, payroll, law and real estate for entrepreneurs all over the country. We also have a special focus on clients within agriculture and forestry. Ludvig & Co has more than 1,000 employees and almost 100 offices in Sweden. The company offers agricultural advisory services such as declarations, annual accounts, bookkeeping, calculations of capital gains, business economic analyses and EU/SAM applications. The firm actively recruits agricultural engineers and agronomists to serve its growing rural client base.
Key Services
- Financial Advisory Business economic analyses, calculations and projections
- Tax & Accounting: declarations, annual accounts, bookkeeping, capital gains calculations
- EU/SAM Applications Support in grant and support applications
- Proactive Consulting: Continuous business development for agricultural and forestry entrepreneurs
Key Features
- National coverage: Sweden’s nearly 100 sites serve local farming communities
- Expertise: dedicated agricultural and forestry advisory team
- Integrated Services: Merging finance, payroll, legal and real estate expertise
- Digital Services: Developing the digital services of tomorrow for our agricultural clients
Achievements
- Over 1,000 employees who help entrepreneurs throughout Sweden
- Active recruitment of agricultural engineers and agronomists to boost sector expertise
- Employees benefit from flexible working hours, wellness allowance of SEK 5,000 and a salary supplement for parental leave
- Claims to be a growth partner for agricultural and forestry businesses
Feedback
Ludvig & Co is valued by agricultural clients for its sector-specific knowledge and local presence. The firm’s ability to provide integrated financial, legal and advisory services under one roof reduces complexity for farm and forest owners, who often require multidisciplinary support.
Contact Information
Website: https://ludvig.se/
5. Rådek
Rådek is a professional services firm, founded by Johan Rudengren in 1986. The company has a strong reputation within agricultural and forestry taxation and offers audit, accounting, advisory, taxation and payroll services. The firm has some 100 professionals working in six offices – Eskilstuna, Flen, Katrineholm, Köping, Nyköping and Strängnäs – in central Sweden. Rådek is a trusted partner for owner-managed businesses and has extensive knowledge of the tax and business structures specific to agriculture and forestry businesses.
Key Services
- Agricultural & Forestry Taxation Specialist knowledge of tax compliance and planning
- Financial Analysis: Business performance analysis and management accounting
- Audit & Accounting: Statutory and optional audit
- Advisory: Strategic business advice & succession planning
- Payroll Services: Full payroll administration for ag enterprises
Key Features
- Specialist Tax Expertise – Well known for agricultural and forestry taxation knowledge
- Owner Managed Focus: Focused on owner managed businesses across a range of industries
- Legal Cooperation: Works with Sweden’s leading advisers in tax and business law
- Regional Presence: Six offices serving local agricultural communities in central Sweden.
Achievements
- Since 1986, almost 40 years of continuous running
- Around 100 professionals working in the central Sweden region
- Good reputation for tax on agriculture and forestry
- Reliable partner for owner-managed agricultural businesses
Feedback
Rådek is “widely recognized for our specialist knowledge in agricultural and forestry taxation, an area in which we have built up a strong reputation over many years.” Clients appreciate the firm’s experience with the complex tax structures that apply to rural land and businesses. The firm is affiliated with top tax and business law advisers to provide all-round advice.
Contact Information
Website: www.bakertilly.se
Frequently Asked Questions
What are green bonds and how are they used in Swedish agriculture and forestry?
Green bonds are debt instruments where the proceeds are specifically designated to fund projects with environmental benefits. The first to use green bonds for forestry was Landshypotek Bank in 2018 and then expanded the framework for agriculture in 2025. Eligible agricultural projects include biodiversity measures, precision farming, organic cultivation, KRAV-certified ruminant farming, irrigation dams, wetland creation and cover ditches. In October 2025, the bank issued a green bond of SEK 6 billion at a coupon of 2.590%. 75% was allocated to sustainable forestry and 25% to sustainable agriculture.
What is the investment gap in Swedish agriculture and why does it matter?
“Sweden’s self-sufficiency in food is only 50 percent and there is a need for investments of tens of billions of kronor to secure future food production and meet climate goals,” writes Lantbrukarnas Riksförbund (LRF). The gap is a result of decades of neglect in terms of investments in agricultural infrastructure, technology and sustainability measures. Bridging this gap is critical for both food security and Sweden’s climate targets.
How does Landshypotek differ from traditional banks?
Landshypotek is a specialist bank with a focus on agriculture, forestry and mortgage lending related to these sectors. Unlike generalist banks, Landshypotek has deep sector expertise and offers green bond financing specifically tailored to sustainable land management. The bank has 124,000 customers and a lending portfolio of SEK 115.7 billion and has been at the forefront of green finance instruments for the sector.
What role does LRF Ventures play in agricultural finance?
LRF Ventures is the venture capital arm of the Federation of Swedish Farmers and invests in early-stage Swedish agri- and forestry startups with a focus on sustainability, food tech and green tech. The firm offers pre-seed and seed funding to innovative companies working on solutions for the sector. LRF Ventures supports startups, which helps to bridge the innovation gap and bring new technologies to Swedish farmers and forest owners.
What advisory services do agricultural and forestry businesses need?
Agricultural and forestry businesses have specific financial, tax and legal requirements as a result of the unique nature of rural land ownership, succession planning and EU subsidy arrangements. Declarations, annual accounts, bookkeeping, calculations of capital gains, business economic analyses and EU/SAM applications: Ludvig & Co. Rådek’s specialist knowledge of agricultural and forestry taxation includes owner-managed enterprises.
How does precision farming relate to agricultural finance?
Precision farming is one of the key eligible categories under Landshypotek’s green bond framework, which uses technology to optimize inputs of fertilizer, water and more. Lending for precision farming equipment helps farmers reduce input costs, lower emissions and improve soil health. “The most near-term transition financing needs are related to acquiring new machinery and equipment, such as precision farming technology, enabling farmers to optimize input for crop production,” says Torkild Dalgaard of Nordea.
Are there financing options for biodiversity and climate adaptation on farmland?
Yes . Landshypotek’s green bond framework includes specific measures to enhance biodiversity on agricultural lands such as maintenance of lands with high nature values, rewetting, creation of wetlands and construction of irrigation dams and cover ditches for water management . They are eligible for green bond financing and support climate adaptation and ecosystem resilience.
What is Lantmännen’s role in agricultural finance?
Lantmännen is the largest agricultural cooperative in Sweden owned by approximately 20 000 Swedish farmers . In addition to its main agricultural businesses, the cooperative also provides financing solutions, risk management tools and advisory services. Lantmännen issued a green bond framework in March 2024, under its Climate & Nature programme, to help fund sustainable agriculture, complementing Landshypotek’s framework and expanding the availability of capital for sustainable agriculture.
