On Monday, September 23, Arla unveiled a new report exploring the role of milk in Sweden’s food system and its implications for the nation’s preparedness.
Titled The Importance of Milk for Sweden’s Preparedness, the report sheds light on the function of milk and dairy products in our diet and food supply chain, the key risks and vulnerabilities, factors that strengthen the industry’s resilience, and recommendations for improving Sweden’s food security. The report was published as part of this year’s Preparedness Week, which aims to raise awareness and strengthen societal resilience.
– Droughts, pandemics, trade disruptions, conflicts in nearby regions, and soaring inflation have all elevated food security on Sweden’s political agenda. At Arla, we want to contribute to this conversation, but we’ve noticed a lack of a clear overview of the role milk and the dairy value chain play in the food system, says Cecilia Kocken, CEO of Arla Sweden.
One of the report’s key findings is that the most effective way to boost Sweden’s preparedness is by enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s food production.
The report was discussed during a morning roundtable with representatives from authorities, organizations, and businesses. Patrik Strömmer, a policy expert at the Swedish Food Federation, who participated in the roundtable, shared his support.
– I’m pleased that the report highlights the need to strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish food production. I also appreciated the focus on trade balance—we need more Swedish-produced food. Increasing exports means increasing production, which in turn improves our ability to sustain the population in times of crisis. It’s essential to have some buffer if a real crisis or even war breaks out, he said
Read the full report HERE