Overwhelming Support for Domestic Food Production Amid Political Silence in Sweden
A new survey reveals that while Swedes overwhelmingly support domestic food production, there is a notable lack of political responsiveness.
Key Points
- • 98% of Swedes value robust domestic food production for crises.
- • Only 1 in 6 believe politicians prioritize food security.
- • 61% prefer Swedish food despite higher costs.
- • Livsmedelsföretagen proposes 10 measures to enhance food security.
Recent survey findings reveal strong public backing for domestic food production in Sweden, with 98% of respondents deeming it essential for ensuring food availability during crises and wars. Despite this overwhelming support, the survey conducted by Livsmedelsföretagen indicates a notable disconnect between public sentiment and political action, as only one in six Swedes feels that politicians take food security seriously.
Björn Hellman, CEO of Livsmedelsföretagen, emphasized the urgency for political focus on food production, comparable to military defense. He stated, "We need the same determination applied to food production that we see for military readiness." The survey highlights that 61% of Swedes prefer to purchase Swedish food over cheaper alternatives, even amidst rising prices.
Interestingly, despite the general perception that food expenses are increasing, the overall proportion of disposable income dedicated to food remains constant, aligning with the EU average at approximately 13%. Hellman criticized the current political focus on food prices without addressing the merits of supporting local production. To augment food security, Livsmedelsföretagen has put forward ten actionable measures aimed at strengthening Sweden's food production capabilities.