German Responses to Food Scarcity

Abstract

Germany was highly susceptible to a blockade that prevented food and fertilizer from entering the country. In addition to importing between 25 and 30 per cent of its foodstuffs, Germany was increasingly reliant on the import of foreign fertilizer to increase yields. As a result of this national vulnerability to the blockade, the state and individuals responded in different ways to address food insecurity. These responses had mixed success, and changed over time. This chapter examines some of the policies and institutions put in place in Germany aimed at providing sufficient food for civilians. It also suggests some of the ways individuals responded to food insecurity, including participation in the black market.