In mid-December, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry published a national food strategy for Finland, setting out guidelines for future policy measures in food sector up to 2040. From the food industry’s perspective, the strategy would have benefited from a stronger focus on food processing industry.
The national food strategy is presented as a program for growth and transformation, the implementation of which requires the involvement of all actors in the food system.
Competitive value chain creates growth
According to Finnish Food and Drink Industries’ Federation (ETL), a key starting point is that the food strategy aims to ensure the profitability and competitiveness of entire food chain. A competitive and predictable operating environment supports profitability throughout the chain, thereby increasing the value added generated within it.
Primary production and food processing are closely interlinked. Cost developments and productivity play a major role in the profitability of primary production.
It is positive that the strategy includes objectives related to fair data sharing. From an industry perspective, it is also important to promote better use of public-sector data, for example to ease regulatory reporting requirements, and to improve two-way data flows.
Demand data is of great importance for the strategic planning of both food industry and primary production.
Security of supply is built across the entire chain
According to ETL food export objectives should take into account growth in both value and volume.
Finland should aim for the same approach as Sweden, where strong targets have been set to increase production and production capacity in support of food exports. Without sufficient raw material production and processing capacity, there is no ability to export. This also strengthens security of supply.
A traditional strength of Finland’s food chain has been a high degree of self-sufficiency, although we remain dependent on certain imported inputs. To strengthen security of supply and resilience, it is essential to take a whole-chain perspective, including self-sufficiency in inputs and critical raw materials.
In the current uncertain global situation, security of supply is an integral part of food system.
Climate, nutrition and enjoyment of food go hand in hand
The new food strategy sets targets for reducing the climate and environmental impacts of the food chain. As climate changes, Finnish food production has much to offer in reducing the global environmental footprint.
Even if production in Finland were to increase, it could reduce overall emissions from food production on a broader scale. This perspective should be given greater consideration in further work, ETL says.
When it comes to the strategy’s nutrition-related objectives, it would be important to highlight also enjoyment of food. Diet is one component of overall well-being, and the development of new food products is a pathway to better nutrition.
Alongside reducing salt, sugar and saturated fat, greater emphasis should be placed on what we need more of, like vegetables, fibre and whole grain.
