Crisis Preparedness: Government Strengthens Food Supply Security

Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig is comprehensively overhauling government crisis preparedness in the food sector.

With the amendment to the Food Management Act adopted yesterday by the Cabinet, the government is establishing a modern framework to reliably ensure food security even in times of crisis.

“The amendment creates a modern and crisis-resilient legal framework that guarantees a stable food supply even under crisis conditions,” emphasizes Totschnig. “The adjustments strengthen both precautionary measures and response capabilities in emergencies and make a significant contribution to national resilience.”

Lessons from recent years are incorporated

The Food Management Act (FMA) established in 1997, has for decades provided the basis for government steering measures when market mechanisms are insufficient or international obligations require action. The COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and disruptions in global supply chains have clearly shown the importance of robust precautionary structures. Additionally, recent blackout events on the Iberian Peninsula in spring 2025 highlighted how critical a functioning food supply system is in emergency situations.

Key measures of the amendment

The reform introduces several major innovations:

• Expanded precautionary options: Possibilities for strategic public food reserves.
• Greater legal clarity: Clarified and supplemented compensation rules for affected companies.
• Stronger use of scientific data: Ability to use existing data for analyses and studies to make better evidence-based decisions.
• Improved information structures: Early and reliable communication to better prepare businesses and the public for possible emergency measures.

With the amendment to the Food Management Act, the government is taking an important step to strengthen Austria’s crisis preparedness in the long term and ensure food security even under extraordinary circumstances.