Finland must strengthen self-sufficiency in plant protein production

Finland could significantly increase its protein self-sufficiency if protein and oil crops were grown to the maximum extent permitted by crop rotation. It is important to increase Finland’s self-sufficiency in raw materials for food production in order to strengthen society’s resilience to crises. This is the conclusion of studies commissioned by the National Emergency Supply Agency (NESA) and carried out by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke).

“Protein self-sufficiency is critical to the Finnish food system, as the availability of protein directly affects the conditions for livestock production and thereby the entire food chain. Currently, protein self-sufficiency is at a low level. Developing domestic crop cultivation is one of the key factors in improving food security,” says NESA Preparedness Specialist Jukka Peltola.

In Finland and other EU countries, livestock production is largely dependent on imports of supplementary protein feed from outside the EU. In a prolonged crisis, there could be a shortage of protein for both livestock and humans if no preparations are made for alternative sources. Similarly, Finland must secure the supply of fertilisers needed for crop production, as it relies on imports for their raw materials.

Domestic alternatives for animal feed and food raw materials

In animal feed, many farms have already replaced imported soy with domestic alternatives. Pea cultivation has expanded in recent years, but the cultivation of other protein crops should also be promoted in order to increase diversity. Pest risks increase as the area under cultivation expands, which is why it is important to grow a balanced mix of different protein crops, such as broad beans, sweet lupins and oilseed hemp. Growing protein crops can also reduce the need for fertilisers, as legumes fix nitrogen directly from the atmosphere into the soil.

Additionally, protein crops need to be bred to suit local conditions. Due to the short growing season, early maturity and cold tolerance are important traits, as is resistance to plant diseases.

The cultivation of broad beans and sweet lupins can be significantly increased in southern and western Finland, and the cultivation of lentils and soybeans can also be explored. Oilseed hemp is already being grown as far north as the Oulu region.

Farmers are concerned about the profitability of farming and the risks associated with growing new crops. More reliable crop varieties, good farming practices and the use of new technology can help with this.

The NESA promotes the crisis resilience of Finland’s food production as part of efforts to safeguard society’s vital functions. Due to the deteriorating security environment, Finland must prepare for protracted disruptions and crises, which could disrupt the import of raw materials by sea and other supply chains.

In the Food and Water 2030 programme of the National Emergency Supply Agency, four studies were carried out together with the Natural Resources Institute Finland, which provide up-to-date information on the sustainability of the grain chain and the development of protein self-sufficiency in Finland. The aim is to support sustainable and self-sufficient agriculture and reduce environmental pressures. The study takes into account the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s report on food policy.