IThe times of the crisis, food is more than sustenance. It is the pillar of national stability. Finland has always understood this, not only because of politics, but because of us and where we live. Geography, the moderate continental climate and our history formed a mentality where the willingness is necessary. In a country with vast lands, a group of population and long distances between societies, flexibility must be built in everything we do.
This understanding is deeply rooted in our society, in individual families like government institutions. Today, Finland’s approach is seen in the right to really as a model for Europe. But it is not a solution that suits everyone. What suits Finland, like our high levels of food self -sufficiency, strong institutions and the culture of cooperation, may not work elsewhere. However, our experience provides valuable lessons. Preparing must be proactive, comprehensive and integrated deeply in the national strategy.
My job at the National Emergency Supply Agency means that I spend a lot of my time thinking about what can happen – and most importantly, how we can make Finland ready when you do so. Whether we are facing a pandemic, electronic shock, or geopolitical shock, our mission is to ensure that the country can show PandeMic-19 PandeMic and the war in Ukraine how fragile international systems.
One of the cornerstone in our national flexibility is Strategic pills reserves system. These reserves include wheat, oats, barley, rye and grains, which are essential for both agriculture and our diet. Stored in safe facilities Throughout the country, it is rotated using the FIFO method (first in, first) to maintain quality and ensure the use of older grains before the most recent. These reserves are designed to maintain the population for nine months in the event of the collapse of the global supply chain or the disruption of local production. During the epidemic and war in Ukraine, they helped reassure the audience.
The rate of food self -sufficiency in Finland is about 80 %. This means that we produce most of the foods that we consume, which is a rare achievement in today’s interconnected world. This is thanks to our farmers, who run more than 40,000 farms throughout the country. In 2024, crop production was the main activity on 74 % of farms, while livestock transplantation was 20 %. Average farm size 56 hectares. Despite the short growth season and a varied variety of crops, our agricultural sector is effective, innovative and supports strong infrastructure. These farms are the backbone of our diet and its role in national security cannot be exaggerated.
We have even developed us Rapid variety, aurea clEspecially suitable for the northern climate. It helps to ensure that the feed rich in oil and protein produced locally even in times of crisis remains. This type of innovation reflects our long -term commitment to flexibility.
But readiness is not only related to stocks and production. It relates to systems that can adapt and continue to work under pressure. Flexible supply chain in Finland with design. the government It works closely With producers, processors, retailers and logistical services companies to ensure continuity. Emergency plans are located in a place for charging connections and setting the priorities of the basic commodity. We also maintain emergency fuel reserves to maintain agricultural machines and transport food during crises.
The main part of our strategy is the public and private partnerships. In NESA, we cooperate with companies in the food sector, from grain factories to supermarket chains. Together, we develop emergency plans, manage joint exercises and exchange information. This cooperation is not just a policy. This is how things are done. Companies understand their role in national preparation and take it seriously.
Preparing also begins at home. In Finland, preparation at the family level is essential. One of our most effective tools is 72 hours, Which encourages each family to self -sufficiency: get enough food and water bottled (five liters per person) for three days. We recommend that there are stocks of dry foods that remain good, such as nuts or dried fruits. Our home emergency supply collection menu menu includes elements such as the first aid set, iodine and radio devices that work with battery, flames, energy bank, mobile stove, toilet paper and canal tape.
After promoting the newsletter
It was promoted through general information campaigns, and this model has proven its value during epidemics, winter storms and electronic accidents.
Europe’s diet is very connected and exposed to external shocks. Regardless of the epidemic and war in Ukraine, drought in southern Europe and global charging turmoil showed how quickly collapse. The climate crisis adds another layer of risk. Finland’s approach provides a road map. Strategic reserves, higher local production, public and private cooperation, and family preparation are all components of a strong diet.