These are uneasy times in the world and preparedness is high on the agenda in the Nordics, with increased focus on strengthening both the military and the civil defense. New strategies for increased production and strengthened food security are being designed. The strategic importance of national food production is increasing.

Food preparedness is a basic prerequisite for both the military's defense capability and the resilience of civil society. Agriculture is thus a central part of the total defense. Raw material production and processing of agricultural goods ensures settlement, employment and safe food supply throughout the Nordic region. We have the best conditions for producing good, safe and culturally adapted food products from plants and animals with high environmental- and animal welfare standards for the Nordic population.

Nordic farmers and their cooperatives are ready to contribute to strengthening food security and preparedness in the Nordic region and expect the authorities to put in place political and financial framework for food production that ensures enough and safe food for the Nordic population in a long-term perspective.

Sustainability has been at the center of food production in recent years. EU has drawn up its Green Deal and Farm to fork strategies, and the national governments in the Nordics have their own strategies and instruments to facilitate a more sustainable value chain for food.

Nordic farmers and their cooperatives are already producing even more sustainably through their own measures. But it is pivotal to see all the elements of sustainability together. The social and economic aspects of sustainability must be included in order to ensure overall sustainable food production in the Nordic region. The farmers and cooperatives need sufficient income and good framework to supply sustainable food products. Both livestock- and plant-based products are natural and necessary also in the future Nordic diet. Climate and environmental measures must not undermine the capacity and economic conditions of farmers and co-operatives or weaken their competitiveness towards farmers and cooperatives in other countries

Nordic farmers and their cooperatives are ready to contribute to increased food security and preparedness in the Nordics through even more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable production. Nordic farmers aim to reach lowest possible climate impact per produce in the world, ensuring food security is never threatened. This is how we together ensure a total defense of our Nordic region.

Juha Ruippo

Director, trade policy and international relations

+358 20 413 2341

+358 40 55 33 232

topics: nbc, nordic farmers