Harvest time = full speed in Uddevalla

Right now, 5.9 million tons of grain are expected to be harvested across Sweden, 14% more than last year and the largest harvest in five years. According to the Swedish Board of Agriculture’s forecast, the area planted with winter wheat is also at a record high this year.

The port plays a key role for grain in Uddevalla, where three companies together handle 200,000–300,000 tons annually. At the moment, farmers are delivering at full capacity to the silo facilities. Something that’s clearly noticeable in the city center, where tractors heading to the port have become an increasingly common sight in recent weeks.

To create a smoother flow, one of the companies has introduced a new queuing system for deliveries. Trucks and tractors now wait for their turn at the truck parking lot on Bastiongatan instead of driving directly to the silo, which at times increases the load on the parking area.

Did you know this about Swedish grain?

• Sweden is self-sufficient in grain, and we produce more than we consume.
• In a normal harvest year, up to half of the grain is exported.
• Sweden has been a net exporter of grain since the early 1800s!
• A currently much-discussed issue is whether Sweden should establish a strategic grain reserve to strengthen food security in times of crisis.

It’s easy to take this infrastructure for granted, but right now an intense and important effort is underway, from field to silo.