Based on the data, Sweden's arable and permanent cropland area has been steadily declining from 2.59 million hectares in 2013 to 2.53 million hectares in 2023. The year-on-year variation has generally been negative, reflecting a contraction in arable land area each year, ranging from minimal changes at -0.039% in 2020 to more significant variations like -0.51% in 2018. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years is approximately -0.083%, indicating a consistent yet slight downward trend.
Looking forward, forecasts suggest this trend will continue, with the land area expected to decrease to 2.51 million hectares by 2028. The forecasted 5-year CAGR is -0.13%, showing a slight but continued decline in the agricultural footprint.
Future trends to watch for:
- Advances in agricultural technology aimed at optimizing yield on smaller land areas.
- Policy changes or initiatives aimed at preserving agricultural land.
- Impact of climate change and sustainability practices on land use.
- Urbanization and its encroachment on arable land areas.