The ministry explains that the legislation in effect until now did not provide for the purchase of food for state ownership. Therefore, in the event of a threat, the state would have to allocate significant additional funds for the actual acquisition of products, which would create a serious burden on the budget. Creating reserves in advance will reduce potential expenses during a crisis and increase the country's resilience. The Ministry of Agriculture considers food reserves an important element of national security, which will ensure the population has access to food in emergency circumstances. ## Where the 9 Million Euros Will Be Directed The funds are planned to be used not only for purchasing food but also for covering administrative expenses of the company "Possessor Public Asset Management," which has been tasked with organizing the creation and maintenance of reserves. By December 31, 2027, the total expenses for implementing the activities should not exceed 9 million euros. This amount includes: - 96,885 euros — administrative expenses of Possessor for the fourth quarter of 2026; - 8.903 million euros including VAT — estimated expenses for the purchase, updating, storage, and logistics of food reserves, as well as related administrative costs for their creation in 2027. At the same time, the specific composition of the reserves has not yet been determined. Purchases have not yet begun, and Possessor is to develop a plan for forming the reserves. Therefore, the question of allocating 8.903 million euros for the activities of 2027 is planned to be submitted separately for government consideration. ## Who Will Be Provided with Food First As previously reported, on July 28, the government approved amendments to the regulations that transfer to Possessor the authority to create and maintain food reserves. This should allow for the formation of reserves to begin as soon as possible. Food will primarily be provided to: - people displaced within the country; - individuals in institutions fully supported by the state or municipality, as well as the staff of these institutions; - people involved in eliminating the consequences of threats to the state. The food reserves will belong to the state. If necessary, they can be used not only in cases of threats to national security but also in other crises — for example, floods or large-scale emergencies. Such use must be separately provided for by a government decision. ## Food Will Be Purchased Mainly in Latvia It is expected that the basis of the state reserves will consist of products produced in Latvia. Initially, purchases will be made from local producers. Food is planned to be stored directly with the producers, ensuring regular updates considering expiration dates. On June 30, the government of Latvia supported an information message regarding the allocation of 9 million euros for the creation of food reserves.
