Food security around the world with regional, local and individual relevance

On May 31 2024 PA-Bioeconomy, PA-Secure and the Nordic Council of Ministers’ office in Latvia organised a hybrid workshop on food security and civil preparedness. We had a unique mix of experts from different countries and fields to share their insights on food security and ways to enhance it. The workshop gained much attention with more than 100 participants on- and off-site. The conclusion was that a strategic blend of existing production capabilities, stockpiling, and supportive neighbours can significantly bolster a country’s resilience during a crisis.

The red line through the workshop was that food security must be tackled on various levels: global/international, national/regional, and individual. This multi-level approach is essential to ensure a robust and resilient food system. By addressing food security on multiple levels—from personal preparedness to regional and global cooperation—the workshop provided comprehensive insights into creating resilient food systems for the future.

Dr. Bettina Rudloff set the stage by explaining new developments in challenges and policy responses to food security risks. These risks have been exacerbated by the changing geopolitical landscape. Understanding these global challenges is crucial for developing comprehensive strategies that can mitigate risks and enhance food security on a global scale.

Following Dr. Rudloff’s presentation, the workshop transitioned to discussing strategies for securing food supplies both in the short and long term. This discussion highlighted the importance of preparedness at all levels of society, from individuals to nations.

The first line of defense against food insecurity is personal preparedness. Preparedness Specialist Essi Kulju discussed national recommendations in Finland, emphasising that most Nordic and Baltic countries urge their citizens to stock up for at least 72 hours, with some suggesting a week’s worth of supplies. These recommendations are crucial for ensuring that individuals can cope during initial disruptions e.g., 72 hours – Could You Cope on Your Own?, Sikker hverdag and Hemberedskab – preppa for en vecka.

Looking ahead, the resilience of cities and the shortening of supply lines were key topics. Maija Kāle presented a new project on Urban Agriculture. This project ranges from window-sill herbs to community gardens and industrial hydroponics complexes. Urban agriculture can serve as a valuable buffer for food supplies in cities, reducing dependence on long supply chains and enhancing local food security.

At the regional and national levels, the responsibility to develop infrastructure, secure linkages to other regions, and foster local food production is paramount. Alda Nikodemusa emphasised that national security is built from the regional situation. Research Project Coordinator Lena Maria Nilsson also gave a fascinating presentation on food security in Sami populations, showcasing how Traditional Intelligence (TI) often outweighs Artificial Intelligence (AI) in these communities.

Special Advisor Arne Bardalen presented data from a recent Norwegian report – Norsk matsikkerhet i en ustabil verden – demonstrating the importance of looking across food categories and time periods to understand food security comprehensively. Norway has a caloric self-sufficiency rate of 45%, which drops to 36% when accounting for imported animal feed. This illustrates the challenges countries face in achieving complete self-sufficiency.

However, a strategic blend of existing production capabilities, stockpiling, and supportive neighbours can significantly bolster a country’s resilience during a crisis.

Food security around the world with regional, local and individual relevance

Related content

New funding opportunities at Swedish Institute

Save the Date: BSSSC Day of Cities and Regions 2026 in Tallinn

BioBoosters Network meeting