Lantmännen comments on the Total Defence Bill presented by the government
Lantmännen welcomes the fact that the government is not only paying attention to but also giving weight to Sweden's food preparedness in the recently published Total Defence Bill (“totalförsvarspropositionen”). Lantmännen emphasizes the importance of quick and real measures as there are currently no emergency stocks of food, extra inputs for agriculture or spare production capacity in the food industry beyond that which is already fully used.
"For a more robust food preparedness, efforts are required from several parties, where political preparedness measures must be supplemented with strong, profitable and growing Swedish food companies. Sweden's trade deficit for agricultural products and food is currently SEK 77 billion. It is a challenge and weakness today that, if properly managed, can become a major growth opportunity for Swedish agriculture and the food industry in the future," says Per Arfvidsson, Deputy CEO of Lantmännen.
In addition to strong food players that increase Swedish food production, domestically produced inputs are also required, as well as preparedness and turnover stocks, according to Lantmännen. The company also notes that Finland and Norway already have or are building up significantly greater food preparedness than Sweden.
"We are now looking forward to the Government's clear ambition to strengthen food preparedness being translated into more detailed information about both measures and financing. And it is urgent – strengthening food preparedness takes several years, and we are starting from scratch," concludes Per Arfvidsson.
Lantmännen also sees great opportunities for increased Swedish food production, and thus good conditions for a more robust food preparedness, provided that adequate investments are made in the updated food strategy that the government will present shortly.
For more information, please contact:
Lantmännen's Press Service
Tel: +46 10 556 88 00
E-mail: press@lantmannen.com
About Lantmännen
Lantmännen is an agricultural cooperative and Northern Europe’s leader in agriculture, machinery, bioenergy and food products. Owned by 18,000 Swedish farmers, we have 12,000 employees, operations in over 20 countries and an annual turnover of approximately SEK 70 billion. With grain at the heart of our operations, we refine arable land resources to make farming thrive. Some of our best-known food brands are AXA, Kungsörnen, Scan, GoGreen, FINN CRISP, Schulstad and Vaasan. Our company is founded on the knowledge and values acquired through generations of farmers. With research, development and operations throughout the value chain, together we take responsibility from field to fork. For more information: www.lantmannen.com
