Response to interpellation 2023/24:423 on consequences for those affected by the swine fever restrictions
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
KD argues that the powerful measures against swine fever were necessary and that the authorities have made a successful effort 1. KD emphasizes that compensation shall occur according to the epizootic diseases act where those affected must prove direct losses 1. KD argues that the system is complicated but that one must apply for support if directly affected 2. KD emphasizes that the eradication is the central mission 2 3. S argues that it is difficult for small business owners to receive compensation as few have been able to prove loss of income 4 5. S argues that the epizootic diseases act is too specific and that the government must take responsibility for the broad societal effects 5 6. C argues that the compensation issue is complex and that the coordination must be organized and planned forward 7 8.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)
Mr. Speaker! Malin Larsson has asked me how I view the compensation issue and what initiatives or measures I intend to take to mitigate the effects for the affected companies, associations, and municipalities.
On 6 September 2023, the very serious disease African swine fever was identified in Sweden for the first time ever. The outbreak itself was serious, and a continued spread of the infection risked resulting in further consequences. Powerful measures were therefore necessary in the initial stage of the fight.
The Animal Diseases Act (1999:657) and the EU regulations in the field of animal health entail obligations for the Swedish Board of Agriculture to decide on measures and restrictions to combat serious animal diseases, such as African swine fever. These measures inevitably entail consequences for the companies and private individuals affected, and therefore there are also provisions regarding compensation in the Animal Diseases Act. It is primarily these provisions on compensation that should be applied.
Those who consider themselves to have been affected by costs or losses as a result of the Swedish Board of Agriculture's decision have the opportunity to apply for compensation. The Swedish Board of Agriculture shall examine the compensation claims, and those who are dissatisfied with the Swedish Board of Agriculture's decision have the opportunity to appeal the decisions to the administrative court. Through the Swedish Board of Agriculture's and the courts' examination, it can be clarified who is entitled to compensation according to the provisions of the epizootic diseases act, and the government follows the examination that is ongoing.
As the submitted applications are processed by the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the picture of which actors and business sectors are covered by the right to compensation in accordance with the epizootic legislation is becoming clearer. Only when there is a clear picture of who is not covered can the question of additional support beyond compensation according to the epizootic law be considered.
The consequences of the outbreak are extensive, and the management spans several parts of the government. I therefore want to be clear that other efforts are also underway to support affected actors. Almi in Västmanland has opened a business hotline where the county's companies can turn for support, advice, or help with the challenges they have faced due to the spread of African swine fever.
Until now, the outbreak control has been successful, something I am incredibly happy about. We must not forget that the authorities are continuously making an assessment of the situation based on the risk of spread of infection. Since the control measures were introduced in September, significant relaxations in the restrictions have been able to be implemented and the restriction zone has been reduced. This means that certain areas that were previously covered by the zone are now completely free from restrictions, as well as that certain activities can now be carried out in the outer area of the infected zone, which is advantageous for companies, associations, and municipalities.
The Swedish Board of Agriculture also has the possibility to grant exemptions from the restrictions for such activities that are judged to be able to be carried out within the infected zone if there are special reasons. The Government welcomed, for example, the Swedish Board of Agriculture's decision that Engelbrektsloppet could be carried out in its entirety very recently. It is in challenging times that cooperation is put to the test, and it is positive that the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the affected municipalities, and the sports movement were able to jointly find a solution that allowed Sweden's second largest cross-country skiing competition to be carried out. When it comes to the association life, we envision continued good regional cooperation to support the association life in the area, but we do not rule out the possibility of also reviewing whether additional measures are needed to support associations that have been affected.
We envision continued good regional cooperation to support businesses and community life in the area. The Government continues to follow this issue closely.
Malin Larsson (S)
Mr. Speaker! I thank the Minister for the answers. At the invitation of Fagersta Municipality, Norberg Municipality, with several members of the Committee on Environment and Agriculture traveled to Fagersta on Thursday, January 25. We traveled there to receive information about the outbreak and the consequences of the African swine fever.
No one could have imagined how large an area would be cordoned off and how extensive the restrictions would become. It is always good as a politician to make visits and meet citizens in their reality. One gets a completely different understanding and picture when one stands by the fence and the prohibition signs oneself and gets to listen to those who are affected and what it means for them. On-site, we were able to learn about their work and experiences and their struggle to stop the spread of the dreaded virus. We were there all day, which began in the town hall with information about what has happened and the current situation, as well as a meeting with business owners and associations. After that, we visited the operational command center in Fårbo. We concluded by seeing, on-site in Ängelsberg, the fence that has been erected around the risk area.
I can only agree with the Minister's praise of our responsible authorities and hunters, who have made a fantastic effort to stop the spread of the virus. I also want to highlight the Voluntary Automobile Corps, the voluntary organization that built up and managed the collection and cremation of infected and dead wild boar. They handled this based on the agreement they have with the Swedish Board of Agriculture for events of crisis or catastrophe.
Much has worked incredibly well, and the spread has been prevented through both swift and efficient work. Those involved who were on site and worked from the command center highlight the solution-focused cooperation that took place as something very positive and as a major reason why they have succeeded so well.
But this is a two-fold crisis. At the same time as we know that the fight against the infection itself has worked very well, the broader societal effects must be managed. They affect the business sector, the voluntary sector, the municipality's operations, and all residents. The fight against the infection is one thing, but how do you manage the compensation? Companies risk going bankrupt. Forest owners are not allowed to work in their forests. Jobs are lost. The largest tourist destination, Engelsberg, is fenced off.
It is difficult for those affected to receive compensation. When we were on site, only four individuals had been able to prove loss of income and received any compensation. The number of those affected is much larger. The affected municipalities, associations, and companies must survive the crisis and be able to continue their operations when the crisis is over.
That is why I ask the Minister how he views the compensation issue and what the government is doing. What initiatives and measures does the Minister intend to take to mitigate these effects and consequences for the affected companies, associations, and municipalities?
Anders Karlsson (C)
Mr. Speaker! I continue where the interpellor finished. We were on the same joint visit. Swine fever is a very serious disease that we know is a scourge for the industry. It did not come as a surprise. The risk of swine fever in Sweden we have known for a long time, and it has increased in step with the wild boar population increasing in Sweden. The increase is due to our wild boars having escaped from our enclosures. The County Administrative Board is the supervisory authority to keep them inside the enclosure, but that has not occurred. Then the risk also increases in the event of an outbreak of swine fever.
As described here, the management has gone very well. We are very satisfied that the preparedness for the plague itself has functioned well. We see the interaction with individual businesses. Not least, the hunters have done a fantastic job with the search, and the coordination with authorities has functioned well.
But as has also been described, there are also some parts that have not functioned so well, and that is the compensation issue. I listened to the Minister's interpellation answer and heard that there is an ambition to handle this with the compensation. But the reality is different. According to the testimonies we received from these four five municipalities, there are very many rejections of the applications for compensation. The reason is how the epizootic legislation, which the Minister highlights, looks. Then it is other legislation that comes into play instead, and it is that complexity that one must be able to handle. We have had a preparedness for the African swine fever itself, but we should also have a preparedness for this type of consequences in a society, so that the whole society functions and one does not just protect against the plague itself.
This is the background to my question to the Minister, Mr. Speaker. The coordination that is required, which the Minister expresses, is about getting achieved in reality. As we heard, only four have received approval. Better coordination of the other steps will be required, so that one does not need to live in such great uncertainty. Does the Minister intend to take the initiative to ensure that that type of coordination works in a better way?
It is a matter of learning from this to find smoother solutions that can be applied next time when this type of outbreak occurs. This was the first time, but unfortunately likely not the last. The question therefore concerns both forward and backward.
Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)
Madam Speaker! I know that the responsible authorities are following the developments very closely and are making continuous assessments of the current situation. On my desk, it is a matter of authorities that primarily undertake measures to combat the spread of infection. Just as both the interpellor and Anders Karlsson have mentioned, we have seen a fantastic commitment from individuals, civilians voluntarily engaged - not least hunters, who have made an enormous effort to get us to the position we are in now.
We receive praise in a European sense for having handled the situation well. But with everything that has been said regarding the spread of infection itself, it is clear that I have full understanding of the concern that many business owners, associations and so on feel.
It is an enormous intervention one makes when one shuts down such a large area. The core area alone is 10,000 hectares large as it is fenced off. It becomes an enormous intervention. With it follows the concern.
I believe that several in the chamber, including myself, since we have not experienced this, were somewhat taken by surprise when it finally happened. It will result in extensive restrictions and major limitations for people in these areas.
It is also the first time the epizootic law is being tested in this type of situation. As I said during the question period yesterday, it is often used if we have an outbreak of disease in livestock barns. It is then quite simple to calculate costs. It is quite clear that the farmer is directly affected by it.
The Zoonotic Disease Act says, if I stick to it, that you must be directly affected by the restrictions that the state has imposed in an area. You must have direct losses or loss of income which, of course, must also be able to be proven in one way or another.
I believe that none of us in this debate think it should be any other way. We must keep track of the state's money. It must be clear, and one must be able to provide evidence that one has in some way suffered a direct loss.
It is mentioned here that four have received a yes. There are more. Approximately 55 applications have been received. Now, things may have happened in the last few days. The latest information I have is that 55 applications have been received, of which 23 have been granted. Among those, there are also some applications that are not complete which is being worked on. I have not heard – but it may have happened recently, or that I have incorrect information – that any municipality has applied for money from Jordbruksverket according to the epizootic law.
It is an appeal that we can collectively make. If you feel directly affected and have suffered direct damage from the restrictions that the state has set in the area, then ensure that you formulate an application to Jordbruksverket so that we can have those matters reviewed. After that, we will see if there are parts in the border area that we need to look further into, which have also been mentioned.
Malin Larsson (S)
Madam Speaker! Once again: Thanks to the Minister for Rural Affairs for the answers!
I wish that the Minister for Rural Affairs could be a bit more concrete about how those affected can get help to survive the crisis that it actually is. He refers to submitting applications. It usually involves legal proceedings and so on. It is quite difficult for small business owners and those who are individually affected.
The extent of the restrictions is great, and managing the broad societal effects is difficult. It hits the municipalities, the residents, and the business community hard. Furthermore, the restrictions are fluid. We will also see the effects of them for a long time to come.
It is small municipalities with a lot of countryside that are affected. They do not have the same resources as large municipalities. The lack of state presence is also palpable and a major disadvantage when one is hit this hard.
Among those affected, we have forest owners who cannot work their forests, community life that cannot hold activities and competitions, and a tourism industry that cannot conduct its business. There are many entrepreneurs who are hit extremely hard by the restrictions and who are now having a very tough time.
There are also many jobs and investments that are affected when the municipalities are not allowed to take soil samples, dig new water and sewage pipes, remediate contaminated areas, and so on. Many job opportunities are lost there.
One can see that there are very many affected companies and residents. If there are now 55 applications, that is very few considering how many are affected. It shows that the compensation issue is difficult and that few can apply based on the existing regulatory framework.
We met, among other things, a man during the visit who runs a company on a family farm. His main income is from the forest. He can now not move in the forest. He could not prepare for the planned winter cuttings. To receive compensation, he must be able to prove a loss of income, that he has lost money. But because he is not allowed to cut, he has no income. He received no compensation. But the bank still wants money for interest and amortizations.
The forest remains, but he cannot manage without a salary. That is not something many people can do. Then there is also the risk that timber prices will go down, and in that case, he will be hit twice.
The Minister was touching upon the epizootic disease act. It is written for farmers and is very specific. According to that law, one must be directly affected. That means those who, for example, run hostels are not seen as directly affected. They can still book guests. But of course, no guests will come. You cannot move out in nature, and you cannot visit sights or work. Many of the jobs will also be lost, as I was touching upon. Then the question of compensation is central.
It is also important to remember that we are here now. But it will also require resources moving forward and time for recovery. Now, it was primarily the municipalities of Fagersta and Norberg that were affected. But it can happen again. The question is perhaps not if, but when, if we see how the African swine fever spreads in Europe.
That is why it is also important that everyone takes their responsibility and helps out and that we learn from the experiences, but above all that those affected receive help. Therefore, quick and clear decisions in the compensation issue were needed now. It is crucial for the endurance and the possibility of recovery.
The Minister for Rural Affairs spoke yesterday during the question period about the epizootic disease act. But there must be some form of coordination within the government between ministers when a crisis of this magnitude arises. Therefore, I wonder what the dialogue looks like within the government.
Anders Karlsson (C)
Madam Speaker! I listened carefully to what the Minister highlighted here. The Minister has good ambitions in getting this done with coordination. But the coordination must in some way be organized. That is what we want to see put in place. It is about planning forward and also in this case.
We have described the cases that have been rejected. It is almost directly linked to the epizootic legislation. It does not fall within the regulatory framework. The other regulatory framework that lies outside of this is just as important when it comes to compensation to businesses and associations.
There must be a coordination of this. We have not seen that this time. We must see it moving forward. I repeat the question. Can we see a better coordination in the future in this matter?
Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)
Madam Speaker! Thank you for the supplementary questions and also for the commitment to this matter!
I repeat again that I have the greatest understanding of the uncertainty and insecurity that one can feel as a business owner, association, or for that matter, municipality in this situation.
The regulatory framework we have in place now is based on the epizootic disease act. My appeal there is: If you consider yourself directly affected, apply. That allows one to have their case examined according to the legislation we currently have in place.
We of course have a dialogue within the government on these issues. When it comes to state presence, both SVA and Jordbruksverket, which are parts of the state, have a constant presence.
With that said: It is very focused on the fight. The fight is the central mission that my agencies have in this. It is also about the legislation regarding compensation when one is directly affected.
I have also heard examples where people have not seen that they have the possibility of receiving compensation. To make the whole thing a bit more realistic: Take, for example, a hunting party that is not allowed to hunt. They pay their rent anyway, because the landowner thinks they should do so, but they do not get what they have paid for. Is the hunting party then directly affected? They have obviously incurred a cost for something for which they have not received a service. But are they directly affected? They own nothing on the land, but rather they rent the land to be able to do one thing.
No, the hunting group might not be directly affected. But the landowner can be – the landowner who refrains from collecting their rent or who has to pay back the rent because one cannot let the hunting group hunt on the land. In that situation, the landowner has a direct loss, for which he or she can seek compensation according to the epizootic law.
So yes, the system is complicated. But there are many systems in this country that are complicated. The reason why it is required that one can provide evidence is that we all want to be very careful with the taxpayers' money.
The basis is therefore: Seek support if you consider yourself directly affected or if there is someone else who is directly affected whom you can demand money from or refrain from paying money to, who in turn can apply for money! So that is how the system looks.
Of course, I am no prouder than I can say that it would have been very good if all the question marks in the legislation had been resolved before such an event. I believe we all think that. I believe the previous government can also look in the rearview mirror and see that one perhaps should have thought more about how the legislation was designed given that swine fever has been relevant in so many European countries. But now we did not do that. We did not have time in our year, and one had not done more earlier. Then we have to fix it as we go.
Of course, we should take advantage of all experiences – both positive and negative – in this regard. It is unfortunately correct as both members say: It is not a question of if, but when this happens again. It is my absolute ambition that we should be even better prepared then.
Malin Larsson (S)
Madam Speaker! I thank Minister Kullgren and colleague Anders Karlsson again for an important interpellation debate.
We must remember all the people and entrepreneurs who have continued to live with all these restrictions. They will have to continue to live in the protected zone all summer with everything that it entails for them.
We have seen a fantastic coordination and cooperation, and it is these people we have to thank that the African swine fever has not spread further. The entire community in the area has helped each other, and thanks to them following the strict restrictions, the infection is not spreading further.
The extent of the restrictions and the management of the broad societal effects is great. This hits both municipalities, residents, and businesses hard. As I mentioned earlier, these animals are mobile, and the effects of this will be seen for a long time to come. We do not yet quite know where it ends.
The affected municipalities and their citizens have taken their responsibility, but the government must also take its. I therefore hope that the Minister for Rural Affairs, together with other responsible ministerial colleagues, continues to work on solutions to the problem when the epizootic law is not helpful.
An outbreak of African swine fever has had more far-reaching consequences than could have been imagined. The outbreak has caused suffering for humans and animals, and the fight against African swine fever must continue. Together, we must do everything to stop it from entering Sweden again.
Landsbygdsministern Peter Kullgren (KD)
Madam Speaker! The fight against the infection is in the foreground. The faster we can declare the entire zone safe, the better for everyone involved - for all companies, for all private individuals, for all associations and for all municipalities in the affected area.
We received an important announcement yesterday: It is assessed that it was the last wild boar within this 10,000-hectare area that was culled yesterday. I want to once again extend a big thank you to everyone who has put in hour after hour, day after day, week after week to perform this incredibly important work. Many will be grateful to you for this.
This will continue in the extended zone, the large area, so that we minimize the risk of re-taking of the spread.
As I mentioned earlier, we will of course try to learn from what we have experienced and what we are experiencing now and see how we can better handle this in the future, because unfortunately, this is a disease that repeatedly seems to be able to pop up both here and there.
We also bring up the discussion, which in itself is parallel but equally important when it comes to the spread, regarding the wild boar population we have in Sweden. How large should it be, and what tools can we develop to limit it further?
When it comes to the compensation issue, I have a request again: If you feel directly affected as a resident or operator in the area, it is the epizootic law that is in place now, and the government is following the issue very closely.
I would like to take the opportunity to thank both debaters for a good debate that sheds light on this important issue.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.