Preparedness Week: Strong Swedish food production is essential for long-term preparedness

Today, only around half of the food consumed in Sweden is produced domestically. According to Lantmännen, this increases Sweden’s vulnerability, particularly during crises that disrupt production and deliveries. Lantmännen therefore highlights the need for competitive and growing food production that works every day and over the long term.

“Preparedness Week carries an important message that everyone needs to be able to manage during the initial period of a crisis. But we must not forget the weeks and months that follow. That is when the production capacity we have built up before a crisis becomes crucial. Today, only around half of the food we eat is produced in Sweden, and we are working to change that,” says Per Arfvidsson, Deputy CEO of Lantmännen.
According to Lantmännen, consumers’ everyday choices also play an important role in Sweden’s long-term food preparedness.

“Swedish farmers can and want to produce more food. When we choose Swedish food in stores, we strengthen demand for Swedish raw materials and give farmers better conditions to invest and increase production. In turn, that strengthens Sweden’s food preparedness,” says Per Arfvidsson.

According to the Swedish Board of Agriculture, Sweden’s trade deficit in agricultural products and food amounted to SEK 94 billion in 2025, underscoring the large imbalance between food imports and exports.

Facts and further information

Preparedness Week 2026: Takes place September 21–27 and is led by the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency. This year’s theme is “You are part of Sweden’s total defence.” The agency recommends that individuals have sufficient home preparedness to manage for at least one week.

Matvärnet: Lantmännen’s initiative to increase awareness of the importance of Swedish farmers and food production for Sweden’s preparedness, including through the information campaign “Sveriges viktigaste matkasse” (“Sweden’s Most Important Grocery Bag”).

Swedish food production: Lantmännen is owned by 17,000 Swedish farmers and operates throughout the food value chain, from field to fork.

For more information

Lantmännen Press Office
+46 10 556 88 00
press@lantmannen.com