Our Way 1
VINJETT TEXT PHILIP STOCKENHED PHOTO KARIN RÖSE N
o one can control the weather—and few sectors are more accustomed to unpredictability than agriculture. But today’s challenges demand more than flexibility. Long-term preparedness now relies on structural resilience, strategic planning, and coordinated action across the food system. uring the pandemic, temporary export restrictions and logistical disruptions exposed the vulnerability of cross-border supply chains. Several countries began re-evaluating their dependence on imports and the resilience of their domestic food systems. The pandemic has passed, but new security threats—geopolitical tensions, sabotage risks, and energy insecurity—have brought food preparedness back into focus. In Sweden, responsibility for agricultural preparedness lies with Jordbruksverket (the Swedish Board of Agriculture). Their role is to ensure that food continues to be produced and delivered, even under extreme conditions. Anna Nordström, case officer at the agency’s preparedness unit, emphasizes a system-wide approach. “Preparedness isn’t just about stockpiles. It’s about ensuring that food can still be produced and delivered to consumers, no matter the situation.” RATHER THAN PREPARING for a specific scenario, the agency works to build structural resilience. That means safeguarding electricity supply, labour access, transport systems, and access to key resources such as fuel and fertilizer. Many actors in the agricultural sector are already taking action—mapping risks, planning for staff shortages, and securing backup energy. “The first step is identifying risks. What happens if the power goes out? If employees can’t come to work? Some farms rely on seasonal workers—what if they suddenly can’t get here,” explains Anna. “Farmers are used to adapting, but having a clear plan makes a big difference.” WHILE MUCH OF Sweden’s food production relies on imported inputs—such as fertilizer and animal feed—the Board of Agriculture has proposed creating stockpiles of key supplies to reduce vulnerability in times of crisis. A government investigation, set to be presented in 2025, will outline what these stockpiles should contain. In addition, the agency is preparing investment support aimed at improving resilience in agricultural operations. “Soon, investment support will be available for farmers to strengthen their resilience, even if it’s not commercially motivated,” says Anna. WHILE STOCKPILING IS important, Anna emphasizes that Sweden must also reduce its dependence on imports by increasing domestic production of essentials like fertilizer and energy. Some farmers are already exploring ways to secure their own energy supply, such as forming local energy communities or Anna Nordström Case Officer Swedish Board of Agriculture investing in backup systems. Others are evaluating new production models to reduce reliance on external supply chains. “I think primary producers, farmers, are used to handling unpredictable events, like extreme weather and shifting market conditions. However, the focus on specialized agriculture could leave farmers vulnerable to disruptions.” THE FIRST STEP IS IDENTIFYING RISKS. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE POWER GOES OUT? Anna Nordström THIS VULNERABILITY IS compounded by the fact that Sweden dismantled its national food reserves in the 1990s. Combined with a high reliance on imports, the country now ranks among the least self-sufficient in Europe when it comes to food production. Sweden is not starting from scratch—but compared to countries like Finland, which has maintained a higher degree of agricultural self-sufficiency, there is still work to be done. The long-term goal, according to Jordbruksverket, is clear: a more robust and flexible food system, built on both local capacity and coordinated national preparedness. “If trade flows and distribution fail, we must rely on domestic production. Strengthening this production is also where we have the greatest potential for building resilience.” OUR WAY 1/2025 19