Chapter 4: Conclusions and Next Steps

It is anticipated that, as a result of this workshop and with the publication of this report, Nordic policy-makers will consider further steps they might consider taking to strengthen the resilience of their food systems and its key supply chains – both individually as sovereign nations as well as together as a single bloc. 

The Nordic Food Alert crisis simulation project highlighted both the urgency and opportunity for Nordic countries to strengthen their food system resilience through enhanced stress-testing, cross-sector (and cross-border) collaboration, and creative, innovative policy-making that engages a diverse cross-section of communities and stakeholders. The workshop underscored the complex vulnerabilities of the Nordic food system, particularly its significant reliance on global supply chains and import-dependent commodities, which expose the region to significant risks from cascading geopolitical conflicts and climate change. It is hoped that the insights gained and the social connections made during this simulation can serve as a catalyst for reinforcing and expanding the region’s activist and progressive approach to food security, food sovereignty, and supply chain robustness.

To move forward, the Nordic Council of Ministers and other regional stakeholders are encouraged to build on the principles and political commitments of the Karlstad Declaration of June 19, 2024, by adopting more systematic stress-testing schedules and processes that simulate real-world supply chain disruptions across political, economic, social and environmental contexts. Integrating this with "bottom-up" approaches that empower local communities, farmers, and businesses to co-create adaptive strategies will strengthen Nordic preparedness against future food supply shocks. As NATO members, all Nordic states now have the added imperative to align food security with broader national security objectives. By taking these steps, Nordic governments can create a more resilient and cohesive food system that stands resilient against future disruptions, ensuring availability and access to food across the region for years to come.

In alignment with the principles outlined in the Karlstad Declaration of June 19, 2024, which calls for strengthened Nordic cooperation in food security preparedness, participants identified several priority areas for action. A key recommendation would be to establish regular, scenario-based stress tests across the region that model various food supply chain disruptions and responses, similar to those conducted during the workshop. Additionally, the workshop emphasized the importance of fostering bottom-up, collaborative planning with farmers, supply chain actors, and local governments to enhance adaptability and innovation across the food system. By integrating these recommendations into forward thinking and planning, Nordic governments can take proactive steps to bolster regional food resilience, safeguard public trust, and reduce future dependencies on increasingly unstable global food supply chains.