Sweden securing emergency grain stocks

Sweden has begun procuring emergency grain stocks for its four most northernmost counties as part of a national plan designed to ensure that the population has access to sufficient safe food in the event of a crisis.

The government has allocated funds for the Swedish Board of Agriculture to establish emergency stocks of grain for food consumption throughout the country during 2026-28, as well as critical input goods that are important for Sweden to be able to maintain its domestic food production. In its 2026 budget, Sweden plans to invest SEK 575 million ($60 million) to set up the grain reserves.

A tender was launched Oct. 15 in the northern counties of Norrbotten, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland and Jamtland. With very limited grain storage options, these counties are currently entirely dependent on grain transported from southern Sweden. The state plans to ensure there is a regular turnover so the stocks do not perish, the Swedish Board of Agriculture said.

The turnover model being used involves the state signing agreements with companies that already handle grain. The state initially will buy a certain amount of grain from the companies and then pay to continuously sell it. The amount that the state has purchased must always be available, and the state must have the full right to use it if necessary.

The Board of Agriculture estimates that the storage of grain at the contracted suppliers in northern Sweden can take place during the spring. Sweden’s total grain harvest is forecast at just under 5.9 million tonnes for 2025. Making up 57% of the cereals harvest, winter wheat production is seen at 3.3 million tonnes on record planted area, which would be 17% above the five-year average. The spring barley crop is estimated at 1.1 million tonnes.

“We are now moving from preparations to concrete procurement of emergency stocks,” said Minister of Rural Affairs Peter Kullgren. “This is a historic step in the reconstruction of Swedish food security. The long-term goal is that there will be emergency stocks throughout the country, partly of grain that can become food on the plate, and partly of input goods that ensure that we can maintain our domestic production.”

The Swedish National Food Agency estimates that 3,000 calories per person per day need to be secured during a state of heightened alert for the Scandinavian nation of about 10.6 million people.

Northern Sweden is strategically important and has particular priority for the total defense of the country in the event of conflict or heightened alert, according to Minister of Civil Defense Carl-Oskar Bohlin.

“It is no coincidence that it is here that the first steps are being taken toward establishing emergency grain stocks, which is fundamentally about ensuring that the population can put food on the table even in difficult times,” Bohlin said. “An important step is being taken today, and even more urgent work is now underway, first in the four northernmost counties and then in the rest of the country.”

Tags: grain, stocks, food, emergency, consumption, storage, Sweden