Welcoming our new YPARD Sweden Co-Country Representatives!

We are thrilled to introduce Mariana & Ingrid as the new Co-Country Representatives of YPARD Sweden!

Mariana and Ingrid are two young farmers based in Sweden who are at the heart of Alnarp’s Agroecology Farm (AAF). Alongside their dedicated team, they run a small-scale farm grounded in agroecological principles, using market gardening as their core growing method. Their mission is to transform the food system through local action, building resilient communities by growing food together.

For over three years, Mariana and Ingrid have been part of what began as a small student initiative, growing it into a project that has impacted hundreds of students and families. AAF has become a hub for hands-on learning, creating a strong network of local and international collaborators working towards sustainable agriculture. The AAF was recently selected as one of the winning teams in the Menu for Change Challenge, an initiative coordinated by YPARD, EIT Food, and Seeding the Future Foundation, to support young professionals in Europe who are shaping the future of the food system in the region.

Meet Ingrid (Representative) 

After a BSc degree in International Land- and Water Management in the Netherlands, Ingrid decided to tap into her Swedish roots and landed in Malmö about 3,5 years ago. Upon starting the MSc Agroecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Science (SLU) she stumbled upon AAF, and has been a member of the board ever since.  

After her studies she continues to be involved at the farm, while also working as a research assistant at Lund University Centre for Sustainability Studies (LUCSUS). This season she will be taking on the task of treasurer and sales manager, further exploring her interest in alternative food networks and how to make small-scale food initiatives economically sustainable while maintaining agroecological values. 

Meet Mariana (Co-Representative)

Originally from Colombia, Mariana has an academic background in law, with a focus on human rights and social justice. Her thesis explored the challenges, opportunities, and perspectives of Community-Supported Agriculture in Colombia, reflecting her deep commitment to food sovereignty.

In 2022, she moved to Sweden in search of new paths and found her place at Alnarp’s Agroecology Farm. Since then, she has been immersed in sustainable food production and community building. As Education Manager and Chairperson, she works to establish AAF as a model farm for agroecology training, providing internships and volunteer experiences. She also leads collaborations with different organizations to co-create knowledge and strengthen the agroecological movement.

As YPARD representatives, Mariana and Ingrid are planning a series of workshops and events throughout the year, connecting with local farmers, strengthening Nordic cooperation among small-scale farmers, and building international networks for agroecological knowledge exchange. Together, they are committed to work towards a more sustainable, just, and interconnected food system, one based on shared knowledge, collaboration, and resilient communities.

Welcome to the team!