Food security and self-sufficiency in Norway
Norway is largely self-sufficient in meat, while it is clearly lower – and falling – in plant products. Between 2005 and 2013, the self-sufficiency rate for plant products was reduced from 52 to 46 percent.
Food security is about ensuring that everyone has access to enough and safe food – even in times of crisis. Self-sufficiency is important for food security. Population growth, climate change, pressure on natural resources and rising commodity prices in recent years have put food security high on the agenda – both in Norway and internationally.
Food safety vs food security
The UN defines food security as follows: “Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to sufficient and safe food for an adequate diet that meets their nutritional needs and preferences and provides a basis for an active life in good health.”
The term is often confused with food safety, which means that the food we eat does not contain microorganisms, environmental toxins or foreign elements that make us sick.
Self-sufficiency
From a preparedness perspective, a society should produce as much of the food its citizens need themselves as possible. In times of war or crisis, a stable food supply is particularly important, and self-sufficiency is a significant factor in food security.
Norway is largely self-sufficient in meat, while it is clearly lower – and falling – in plant products. Between 2005 and 2013, the self-sufficiency rate for plant products was reduced from 52 to 46 percent. When it comes to fish, Norway is a net exporter. In other words, we produce everything we need domestically, in addition to exporting.
The degree of self-sufficiency for agricultural products in Norway varies from year to year, depending on the weather.
Overall, we have less favorable conditions for agricultural production than many other countries – with a short growing season, cold climate and few and scattered agricultural areas. Despite a demanding starting point, there has been significant production growth in Norway in recent decades.
In the future, it is important that land-based food production continues to increase, in line with the demand of a growing population.
Sources
- Government: Food safety