This study explores the inclusion of edible perennials in Stockholm’s public green spaces by examining the challenges and opportunities from both the perspective from the local government and the citizens. Food production in cities has proven to enhance quantity and quality of food accessibility to low-income households and can be a useful tool to address urban injustice on food availability in Sweden, where the inflation crises has significantly increased food prices and doubled the amount of people needing food support. Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, has great potential for food production and can benefit from the accompanied social benefits. 

In this study, a survey was conducted among citizens of Stockholm municipality and semi-structured interviews have been carried out with different governmental bodies. Inductive thematic analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data from the interviews. To compliment the discussion, an interview with an expert was conducted in the final stage of this study.

The results of the survey showed extensive support for the inclusion of edible perennials in public green spaces as well as high willingness to participate in the initiatives and an increase in visits of the places when food production was included. In the interviews with park engineers and landscape architects, concerns were raised including privatisation of public land, responsibility and maintenance issues, and the need for engaged district administrations. The opportunities were seen in the multifunctional benefits of food production in public green spaces, enhanced food security and the importance of citizen dialogue and citizen involvement in public green space planning. The interview with the expert showed high feasibility for the inclusion of edible perennials in public spaces, emphasising the potential for future practices.