Following the outbreak of war in 1939, the Faroese started to make preparations regarding the
possible consequences of enemy action. A control commission was established to ensure that vital
materials such as salt (needed for the fishing industry), fuel, food and clothing remained in ample
supply. On 11th March 1940, the commission called on all Faroese citizens to economize and to start
growing their own potatoes and vegetables. At the same time, imported coal was rationed and peat
continued to be used for burning. Landowners were asked to provide plots of land for fishermen and
their families so that they too could grow their own vegetables.