Urgent Call for Domestic Production of Mineral Fertilizers in Sweden
Sweden faces a critical need for domestic mineral fertilizer production to ensure food security.
Key Points
- • Sweden needs its own mineral fertilizers for food security.
- • Domestic phosphorus production could meet needs sevenfold.
- • Agricultural output may drop by 70% in conflict scenarios.
- • Low self-sufficiency in animal products poses significant risk.
A recent report highlights Sweden's pressing need to establish domestic production of mineral fertilizers, specifically phosphorus, to bolster food security amid significant vulnerabilities in the agricultural sector. The document, presented by investigator Pär Malmberg, underscores the risks posed by Sweden's current reliance on imported agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and animal feed, particularly in light of potential supply disruptions due to geopolitical conflicts.
Currently, Sweden's self-sufficiency in animal products is alarmingly low—approximately 75% for dairy and even less for meat. In conflict situations, agricultural production could be at risk of declining by as much as 70%, reminiscent of the food shortages seen during World War I. Malmberg’s report articulates that while Sweden maintains high self-sufficiency for certain staple crops—exceeding 100% for grains and potatoes—the overall weaknesses in food production systems are concerning.
Currently, Sweden lacks significant domestic production facilities for mineral fertilizers, with previous operations having transitioned to producing explosives instead. Additionally, the availability of manure is falling, largely attributed to reductions in livestock numbers over recent years. The urgency is further emphasized by the changing landscape following the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which has shifted food security priorities.
Malmberg asserts that the proposed extraction facility for phosphorus from LKAB's iron ore mining operations is crucial to addressing this issue, with potential outputs expected to exceed Sweden's fertilizer needs by up to seven times and could supply up to 6% of the EU’s total requirements. The development of this facility is viewed as essential for ensuring food security and enhancing resilience against supply chain disruptions.
The report serves as a clarion call for Swedish policymakers to prioritize the establishment of domestic fertilizer production to secure the nation’s agricultural future and enhance overall food sovereignty.