In response to global concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic, the potential for a European war, and the ever-looming threat of climate change, the Norwegian government has made the decision to begin stockpiling grain. With plans to store 30,000 tons in 2024 and 2025, this move signifies a significant step in Norway’s preparation for potential future crises.
The agreement to begin stockpiling was signed by Norway’s ministers of agriculture and finance, in conjunction with four private companies. The grain will be stored in existing facilities across Norway, making use of the country’s already established infrastructure. The private companies involved in this initiative will have the opportunity to invest in new storage facilities and to choose the locations for grain storage. However, they will be obliged to make the grain available to the state if necessary, ensuring it can be used in a crisis situation.
This initiative is part of an ongoing effort by the government to secure the country’s food supply in times of crisis. The government has plans to continue signing stockpiling contracts, with an ambitious goal of having 82,500 tons of grain in storage by 2029. This would be sufficient for three months’ consumption by Norway’s population in a crisis.
The decision to begin stockpiling grain was influenced by a recommendation from a commission established in 2022. This commission was formed in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and suggested stockpiling grain products as a key strategy for crisis preparedness. It also carried out an assessment of Norway’s emergency preparedness systems.
To support these grain stockpiling efforts, Norway will allocate 63 million kroner (approximately $6 million) annually. This is a resurgence of a practice that had previously been implemented in the 1950s, but was halted in 2003. The current efforts are part of a larger move to enhance national preparedness.
In addition to this, Norway is also home to the Global Seed Vault. Located in Norway’s Svalbard archipelago, the vault has collected close to 1 million seed samples worldwide since 2008. This initiative aims to safeguard against human or natural disasters, preserving biodiversity and providing a backup for the world’s crops.
These initiatives are a clear indication of the Norwegian government’s proactive approach to crisis management and preparation. With the potential threats of a pandemic, war, and climate change, these measures provide a degree of security for the country’s food supply in uncertain times.
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