NKVC Proposed to Take Over Management of Food Reserve Stocks
The proposed amendments to the State Reserve Law aim to transfer the management of food reserves to NKVC, increasing efficiency and responsiveness during crises.
The Lithuanian Seimas is considering amendments to the State Reserve Law proposed by Vytautas Jucius, a member of the "Nemuno Aušros" faction. If approved, the amendments would consolidate the functions of the state's reserve coordinator, currently performed by the National Food and Veterinary Risk Assessment Institute (NKVC), with those of the reserve manager. This change is intended to streamline decision-making processes and enhance the ability to monitor the state reserve's status in real-time, particularly in light of potential crises affecting food supply.
Currently, NKVC is responsible not only for coordinating the state food reserve but also for establishing contracts with producers and retailers to ensure a stable supply of essential food products during emergencies. There are plans for 207 support stores across Lithuania, which would be vital for distributing food in times of need. The proposed changes are expected to improve efficiency, allowing for quicker responses to threats and real needs as identified by ongoing risk assessments.
In addition, Jucius highlights the findings of a State Audit, which underscored the necessity for reform in the management of food reserves to address shortcomings. The goal is to create a more integrated and responsive system that can effectively safeguard food security in Lithuania, particularly in crisis scenarios where timely access to resources is paramount.