The purpose of the stock of strategic raw materials is to ensure the availability of main raw materials for Estonian food producers in the case of extreme disruptions in supply.
The self-sufficiency of Estonia when it comes to food depends largely on the production sector. The amount of the most important raw material for food, i.e. grain, that is grown in Estonia exceeds the consumption of our residents by several times and most of the production is exported.
Regardless of the high level of self-sufficiency of Estonia when it comes to grains, unpredictable events might occur on the global raw materials market, leading to a shortage of grain for domestic consumption. For example, global grain prices skyrocketed at the beginning of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine in 2022 and the availability of grain dropped, increasing the risk of Estonian producers having difficulties with acquiring raw materials for supplying our population with food products.
The Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture and the Estonian Stockpiling Agency decide the need for the establishment of the majority of the raw materials stock, its type, and its duration based on various risk and security assessments.
The main type of raw material stock is grain due to its wide range of applications.
Depending on the crisis, grain can be used for preparing food products for people, as animal feed, or for sowing.
The Estonian Stockpiling Agency forms grain stock based on input from the Ministry of Regional Development and Agriculture.
Last updated: 02.03.2026
