Finland is taking proactive steps to ensure food supply stability by launching a network of specialized “emergency stores” (beredskapsbutiker) designed to remain operational during times of crisis, including disruptions to power, internet, or logistical networks.
A nationwide project for resilient grocery stores
According to Dagens Nyheter and NRK, Finland plans to establish approximately 300 emergency-equipped grocery stores across the country. This initiative, conducted in collaboration with local grocery retailers, aims to ensure that essential goods remain accessible even under extreme circumstances.
Miika Ilomäki, head of Finland’s emergency preparedness agency (Försörjningsberedskapscentralen, FBC), highlighted the importance of these stores, stating, “You should always be able to buy food in these stores, and some locations will also offer fuel.” The strategy ensures maximum distances of 50 kilometers between stores in densely populated areas and 150 kilometers in rural regions.
Emergency store: reserve generators and private sector collaboration
The Finnish emergency preparedness agency, FBC, will provide reserve generators to maintain electricity supply during power outages. Store owners are expected to cover any additional operational costs associated with adapting their businesses to emergency readiness.
The first set of emergency stores is expected to open later this year, with the full network set to be completed by 2028.
Finland’s historic tradition of preparedness
Finland’s dedication to crisis preparedness is historically robust, having maintained state grain reserves for centuries. Currently, Finland holds enough grain to cover nine months of domestic consumption. By comparison, Sweden phased out similar grain reserves in the 1990s, while Norway dismantled its own in the early 2000s. However, Norway recently reversed this decision, aiming to rebuild its grain reserves with a goal of storing 82,500 tons of wheat by 2029, enough to supply the population for approximately three months.
Finland’s strategic planning highlights a broader Nordic trend towards reinforcing national resilience amid geopolitical uncertainties and potential global crises.
