Rural affairs

The European Council is holding a special meeting in Brussels on 30–31 May. A number of issues related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine are expected to be discussed. These include continued EU support to Ukraine, energy and food security. Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson is representing Sweden.

In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Minister for Rural Affairs Anna-Caren Sätherberg, Swedish Food Agency Director General Annica Sohlström and Swedish Board of Agriculture Director General Christina Nordin held a press briefing on 22 March on food security in Sweden.

On 1 March, Minister for Rural Affairs Anna-Caren Sätherberg met with the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the Swedish Food Agency and representatives of the food industry to identify strengths and possible disruptions to food production chains in view of current serious security developments. Sweden is well-prepared and Sweden’s food supply chain has not been affected. However, the international situation may change quickly and, if so, we will need a full overview of what a potential worsening scenario would mean for Swedish food security.

On September 24 the Government decided to extend the possibility for the National Veterinary Institute to carry out diagnostics of COVID-19 in humans. The decision means an extension of one more year, until 31 December 2021.

Global warming continues regardless of the COVID-19 pandemic. Climate change will remain the defining issue of our generation. The Government is therefore proposing investments of SEK 9.7 billion in green recovery initiatives in the Budget Bill for 2021. The Government’s proposals are based on an agreement between the government parties, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

The Government has decided to extend the ordinance that enables the provision of compensation for the temporary suspension of fishing activities – tie-up support – to commercial fishers who have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government has decided how the Green jobs initiative is to be implemented. The initiative covers the entire country and during the autumn 608 placements are planned for people who are far from the labour market. One aim of the Green jobs initiative is to alleviate unemployment linked to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.

The Government has adopted an ordinance that enables the provision of compensation for the temporary suspension of fishing activities – tie-up support – to commercial fishers who have been particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is being strengthened to meet educational needs and fight unemployment due to the COVID-19 crisis. SLU will receive additional funding that will enable it to offer more places on educational programmes in shortage occupations and for lifelong learning.

As of Saturday 13 June, domestic travel is permitted for people with no symptoms. One important prerequisite is that the regions receiving visitors can meet their health care needs. The National Board of Health and Welfare has therefore been tasked with supporting the coordination of the regions’ health care resources during the summer. In addition, the Government will instruct the county administrative boards to carefully monitor compliance with the current recommendations throughout the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a markedly reduced demand for seafood from Swedish aquaculture since most sales go to restaurants, hotels and conference centres. This has created major challenges for fish farmers. The Government has therefore introduced temporary easing of regulations covering aquaculture licences.

The Government is investing to assist the green industries in the absence of foreign seasonal workers. SEK 11 million is being invested to facilitate the matching of unemployed people to the green industries.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party are presenting new measures to strengthen digital infrastructure. Under the proposal in the additional amending budget, SEK 202.8 million will be provided to the Rural Development Programme for 2014–2020 to ensure that budget funds previously set aside to support broadband expansion can be paid.

The Swedish Government has adopted an updated strategy to combat antibiotic resistance. The overarching goal continues to be preserving the possibility of effective treatment of bacterial infections in humans and animals. The strategy will apply until the end of 2023.

The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences is increasing the number of student places. One hundred new places are already being created for summer courses this year and the number of places in the foundation year is being increased. The aim is to meet the increased need for education and transition in the labour market as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 virus.

The Government is relaunching an initiative for green jobs for people who are far from the labour market. The initiative is aimed at mitigating unemployment linked to the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19. SEK 150 million has been set aside for 2020 and is part of the Government’s proposed Spring Amending Budget for 2020, which is based on an agreement between the Government, the Centre Party and the Liberal Party.

On 9 April, the Government adopted a legislative amendment that makes it possible for the National Veterinary Institute to conduct diagnostic tests for the COVID-19 virus in people.

On Thursday, Minister for Rural Affairs Jennie Nilsson called a meeting for the food industry to gain a picture of stakeholders’ preparedness in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. Trade organisations, food companies and trade union representatives for the food industry took part in the meeting.

Listen to the Minister for Rural Affairs, Jennie Nilsson, talk about food security in Sweden. "We have plenty of food available. There is currently no food shortage in Sweden."

Unofficial translation 2020-03-12