Deep Roots

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atives is high. In the dairy sector more than 90 per cent of the milk

produced is delivered to the cooperative. For meat, eggs and grain

it is 60-70 per cent, and for vegetables approximately 50 per cent.

The cooperatives also have a role in implementing agricultural

policies. They secure the best possible price for the farmers’ prod-

ucts within the negotiated target price. The cooperatives are also

obliged to collect products from non-members if they ask. This

secures access to the market for family farmers across the country.

On the other hand, farmers do have some exemptions from

ordinary competition rules. Firstly, the farmers are allowed to

cooperate in the market through their cooperatives. Secondly,

the cooperatives are allowed to have a high market share

because of their role in implementing agricultural policy. At

the same time, the authorities have tools to make sure the

cooperatives are not misusing their position.

The ordinary food market in Norway is well organized.

Many consumers are now asking for local and special prod-

ucts. Thus, some family farmers have started refining their

own products for direct sale to consumers on the farm, or

at farmers’ markets. This gives an opportunity to keep more

of the value added for the family on the farm. Most of these

farmers are still members of the cooperative, which supports

their local activity. The cooperatives were deeply involved in

the formation of farmers’ markets in Norway.

Local products from the farm will not replace ordinary prod-

ucts from the cooperatives and other food industries in the

grocery stores. However, they are a very important supplement

for consumers and some farmers. They also provide an impor-

tant arena for direct contact between farmers and consumers.

Supporting rural communities

In many rural areas, the agricultural activity performed by

family farmers is the backbone of the community regard-

ing settlement, economy, employment and social activity.

Agricultural production must take place where the land is.

The farmer and his family are therefore more than any other

activity linked to the community where the farm is located.

The farmer boosts the local economy by his production

and activity, but also indirectly by using local industry and

services for his business and private life. Many other jobs in

the community depend on family farms. The activity of one

family farmer creates two to three further jobs.

In addition to their ordinary agricultural activity, many

farmers provide different kinds of services both on the farm

and outside it. This is also important for the community and

the well-being of the residents.

The future of Norway’s family farms

Family-based ownership of farms has a very long tradition in

Norway, and current legislation is strengthening this tradi-

tion. However, some political parties aim to change this and

liberalize the market for farm properties. This will also open

up opportunities for companies to buy farms, and the buyer

will have fewer obligations. A possible change in legislation

will probably not have a very strong impact immediately, but

in a longer perspective it may challenge the family farm struc-

ture, especially in the best agricultural areas.

The next question is, will the families continue to run their

small-scale farms? In Norway, farmers’ incomes are substantially

lower than in other businesses and jobs. Young people therefore

often prefer to have another occupation rather than taking over

and running the family farm. This will lead to bigger farming units

in the best areas and to farmland being set aside in the less favoured

areas. That is also why it is important to support family farming

in order to maintain food security based on national resources.

Family farming depends on the willingness and skill among

farmers to cooperate and create income from markets. But food

production based on the family structure is also important for

consumers and society. Family farming therefore needs political,

economic and legal support for its maintenance and development.

The whole community takes part in bringing the sheep down from the mountain

Nearly all of Norway’s farms are owned and run on a family basis

Image: Norsk Landbrukssamvirke; Tore Berntsen

Image: Norges Bondelag

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