How Finland’s Preparedness with Stockpiled Food and 72-Hour Kits Can Inspire Europe to Get Ready for the Next Crisis | Insights by Miika Ilomäki

In tough times, food means more than just eating; it’s vital for a nation’s stability. Finland gets this. Our climate and history have taught us that being prepared is key to resilience. With a large land area, a small population, and remote communities, we know that planning ahead is crucial.

Finland’s approach to preparedness has gained attention in Europe, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all method. Each country has its unique challenges. Nonetheless, our experiences can provide helpful lessons. Being prepared should be proactive, inclusive, and integrated into the national strategy.

At the National Emergency Supply Agency (Nesa), my job revolves around anticipating problems. Whether it’s a pandemic, cyber-attack, or geopolitical tension, our goal is to make sure Finland continues to function and feed its people. Recent events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine have revealed how vulnerable global systems can be.

One key part of Finland’s resilience is our strategic grain reserve system. This includes essential grains like wheat and barley, which are vital for our agriculture and nutrition. These reserves are stored securely and rotated to ensure quality. They can sustain the population for up to nine months during crises, providing peace of mind.

Finland’s food self-sufficiency rate stands at about 80%, meaning we produce most of what we consume. This is impressive in a world where supply chains are often global. Our farmers, who run over 40,000 farms, play a critical role in this achievement. Even with a short growing season, they are efficient and innovative, thanks to strong infrastructure.

Moreover, we’ve developed a rapeseed variety called Aurea CL, which thrives in our climate. This ensures that domestically produced oil remains available, showing our commitment to long-term resilience.

Preparedness involves more than stockpiling; it’s about creating systems that can adapt under stress. Finland’s food supply chain is designed to be resilient, with close cooperation between the government and businesses. Plans are in place to ensure essential goods continue to flow, even in emergencies.

Public-private partnerships are essential in our strategy. We work with various companies, from grain mills to supermarkets, to develop contingency plans and share knowledge. This collaboration shows that businesses take their role in national preparedness seriously.

At the household level, readiness is vital. Finland encourages citizens to be self-sufficient for 72 hours during emergencies. This involves having enough food and water for three days and preparing a home emergency kit. Campaigns promoting this have proven effective during crises, like storms and cyberattacks.

Europe’s food system faces many challenges, from droughts to geopolitical tensions. Finland’s approach, which emphasizes strategic reserves, domestic production, collaboration, and individual preparedness, can inspire other nations aiming for a robust food system.

The importance of food security cannot be overstated. In an interconnected world, the lessons we’ve learned in Finland about resilience could help others navigate their own challenges.



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