Finnish security of supply: from grain storage to social resilience

In recent years, security of supply and household preparedness have become central topics of discussion as geopolitical tensions and crises have increased the need for and interest in preparedness. Security of supply refers to a society’s ability to endure crises with minimal disruption.

The HUOVA research project at the University of Oulu examines how Finns have historically survived difficult times and how past lessons can inform modern preparedness. Researchers explore the history of food preservation and storage, political decision-making, and citizens' everyday survival strategies.

Traditionally, security of supply has been associated with food security and physical survival. However, today it also encompasses informational and linguistic security, which refers to the ability to access and interpret various types of information. Social security of supply involves resilience – the ability to cope with different and even challenging life situations.

Finland’s vitality and the smooth functioning of daily life depend on a well-functioning food supply and access to clean water. The importance of securing electricity supply highlights that household preparedness and food security are also linked to the reliability of societal infrastructure.

Currently, the recommended level of household preparedness is 72 hours, but in the past, preparedness often extended across entire growing seasons.

"Security of supply in the 21st century is not just about material preparedness – it is also about strengthening resilience and ensuring continuity, in collaboration with businesses, the public sector, and the third sector," says Ritva Kylli, University Lecturer and leader of the research project.

Finnish food history is largely a history of preservation. In the 18th century, food was stored for months. Preservation methods such as salting, drying, and fermentation were crucial survival techniques.

One surprising research finding was how poorly people in past centuries sometimes prepared for difficult times.

"We made unexpected discoveries: in earlier centuries, Finns did not always prepare for crises but instead relied on good harvest years. People quickly became accustomed to favorable conditions and did not always stockpile enough food, drink, seed potatoes, or grain. Folklore is full of stories about how a lack of preparedness led to hardship," Kylli explains.

According to researchers, modern individuals preparing for crises would benefit from knowledge of historical food preservation and storage methods as well as a broader understanding of the history of security of supply.

Despite its significance, Finnish security of supply has been little studied. The findings from the HUOVA research project can be utilized in government work, education, and broader historical research.

HUOVA is a research project led by three historians from the University of Oulu:

PhD, Adjunct Professor, University Lecturer, Ritva Kylli specializes in northern and Arctic history, particularly food history. In HUOVA, she studies the food history of Northern Finland from the 18th to the 20th century.

PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher Riikka Isoaho-Nousiainen focuses on 19th-century urban history and intergenerational phenomena. She examines security of supply as a broader societal phenomenon, including social and informational security.

PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher Matti Mäntylä specializes in Finnish political history and the development of institutions. He analyzes the political history of security of supply and legislative developments.