Sweden to set up emergency grain reserves in country's north so it's prepared for crisis

Sweden will set up its first emergency grain stocks in the north of the country, a region that risks being isolated in a conflict, the government said Tuesday.

In its 2026 budget, Stockholm plans to invest 575 million kronor — $60 million — to set up the grain reserves.

The state plans to ensure there is a regular turnover so the stocks do not perish, the Swedish Board of Agriculture said.

A tender will be launched on Wednesday in the northern counties of Norrbotten, Vasterbotten, Vasternorrland and Jamtland. These counties are currently entirely dependent on grain transported from southern Sweden — the oblong country runs some 1,000 miles from north to south — which could be problematic in the event of a crisis or war.

"Northern Sweden is strategically important for the military a