Germany is planning a significant expansion of its strategic food reserves to bolster national security preparedness, according to Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture Alois Rainer. Citing a shifting geopolitical landscape, Rainer emphasized the importance of ensuring food security alongside conventional defense measures.
Existing reserves, primarily consisting of raw ingredients like grains and lentils dating back to the 1960s, currently require preparation before consumption. The proposed initiative aims to establish a national reserve of ready-to-eat meals – potentially including canned pasta dishes, lentils and other similar products – capable of immediate consumption with minimal preparation, such as heating.
The Minister estimates the cost of this expansion to be in the range of 80 to 90 million euros. A key component of the plan involves collaboration with the private sector, leveraging the established supply chains and storage capacity of major food retailers. Rainer anticipates a phased implementation due to the logistical complexities of transitioning to a fully ready-to-eat reserve system. The aim is to create a robust and readily accessible food supply in the event of crises or conflict.