Swedish food security and agricultural production

Concerns regarding Sweden’s food security have emerged following reports of significant consolidation within the dairy industry. Data from the Swedish Board of Agriculture indicates that the number of dairy farms dropped from 12,700 in 2000 to fewer than 2,500 by June 2025, even as the average number of cows per farm increased from 33.7 to 117.9.

Researchers from Örebro University and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences warn that this trend may undermine national preparedness. Researcher Lisa Ekman notes that resilience against crises like climate change or disease depends on “diversity and geographic distribution,” yet current financing and regulatory structures favor large-scale production over small-scale producers.

In response to declining self-sufficiency rates for staples such as meat, milk, and potatoes, the Sweden Democrats have advocated for increased domestic production to bolster national security. Their proposed measures include lowering diesel taxes for agriculture, reducing regulatory burdens, and requiring the public sector to prioritize Swedish raw materials.