Norway starts stockpiling grain again, citing the pandemic, war and climate change

By JAN M. OLSEN
Associated Press

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The Norwegian government has signed a deal to start stockpiling grain, saying the COVID-19 pandemic, a war in Europe and climate change have made it necessary. The deal to store 30,000 tons of grain was signed Tuesday by Norway’s agriculture and food minister and four private companies who will store the wheat, which will belong to the Norwegian government. Further contracts will be signed in the coming years. The goal is for Norway to gradually build up the reserve until 2029, with some 82,500 tons of grain in storage by the end of the decade.