Finland has announced plans to increase its grain stocks in response to global grain shortages caused by the war in Ukraine that are expected to still disrupt food security next year.
In an announcement made on Monday, the National Emergency Supply Agency announced plans to increase oats, wheat and barley stocks in preparation for possible shortages and improve preparedness.
With this, stocks should be available for consumption for eight and a half months rather than the current six.
Finland’s plans come in response to the European Commission’s estimate that EU grain stocks may decrease by around 20% next year, and the belief, according to the agency’s director Jaakko Pekka, that Russia’s war in Ukraine and the disruptions it causes for the global grain market could remain remain ”challenging” for a number oi years.
Following the crop failure in Finland in the summer of 2021, grain levels were estimated to be at their lowest in 10 years. The situation has since improved due to the recent successful harvest, which makes it possible to stock up on domestic production. (Pekka Vänttinen | EURACTIV.com)
Source: euractiv.com
