One pillar of the food sovereignty movement is local self- sufficiency achieved through protectionist measures. This protection-based self-sufficiency is examined with regard to the objectives of food sovereignty and its ability to achieve food security. The results suggest that it does little in assisting the achievement of the broader goals of food sovereignty – other policies will be required. Further, it cannot provide meaningful food security in the face of the riskiness of agricultural production. Those interested in achieving food sovereignty need to reassess this pillar of their proposed policies.