"It is very positive that politicians have listened to the industry's challenges and needs – and have seen the potential. We share the view of the importance of clear and measurable targets, where the ambition to increase production at the primary level is particularly gratifying," says Per Arfvidsson, Deputy CEO of Lantmännen.
"With operations throughout the chain from field to fork, Lantmännen has great opportunities to make a difference. We are prepared to do what we can to make the strategy a reality, and I both hope and believe that more people share that ambition. It is now very important that the authorities, especially the Swedish Board of Agriculture, work quickly with the development assignments they have been given in the food strategy," says Per Arfvidsson.
Lantmännen sees five points as particularly important in the new food strategy.
– Sharply increased food production for both domestic consumption and exports
– Accelerated building of preparedness and supply capacity
– World-class food quality and gastronomy
– Climate change adaptation and the water issue in agriculture
– Substantially strengthened allocation of resources for research and innovation
Furthermore, the state needs to remove trade barriers, simplify regulations and create conditions for actors in the food chain to be paid more for the added value they create, according to Lantmännen.
Exports are the way to greater profitability and more jobs
The Swedish food sector shows an annual trade deficit of about SEK 80 billion, placing Sweden at the bottom in a European comparison. Denmark has food exports that are three times as large as Sweden's, for example.
"Exports are the key to growth and increased profitability for the actors in the food chain. In addition, food exports are the most cost-effective way to create preparedness capacity. We have world-class agriculture and food production – if we understand and take advantage of it, there are all opportunities to grow and increase our food exports. It is gratifying that the new food strategy shares this picture," says Per Arfvidsson.
Growth initiatives generate tax revenues on many levels. One example is Tillväxtbolaget, which offers investment loans for agricultural companies, which in turn creates new jobs in primary production.
"In summary, the strategy shows great ambitions for the food sector – a positive and important signal to both the industry and Sweden as a nation. It is now of the utmost importance that the Government takes the strategy further to concrete measures that are noticeable on farms and in the food industry, and that other parties also support the strategy. We have had a continuous dialogue with both politicians and industry players ahead of the new food strategy. And the dialogue continues, our door is always open," concludes Per Arfvidsson.
For more information, please contact:
Lantmännen's Press Office
Tel: +46 10 556 88 00
E-mail: press@lantmannen.com