For the first time since agriculture got its own main agreement in 1950, there is a breakdown in the negotiations even before the negotiations have started. On Wednesday this week, the Norwegian Farmers’ Association and the Norwegian Farmers’ and Small Farmers’ Association were to present their demands in this year’s agricultural settlement. But despite mediation over the weekend, they were unable to agree. Thus, this year’s agricultural negotiations will start without the Farmers’ Association.
Last year, the farmers achieved a record settlement of close to NOK 11 billion. The vast majority of this was compensation for increased costs for electricity, fertilizer for power, diesel and other input factors. This year too, the farmers, like most others, have had to endure strong price increases, and a costly agricultural settlement is expected for the state and taxpayers this year as well. But without the Småbrukarlaget being allowed to take part in the negotiations.
The main agreement for agriculture, which has existed for 73 years, states that if the agricultural organizations do not agree on the requirements for the state, the state must mediate between them. According to TV 2’s understanding, such mediation was carried out over the weekend. Without result.
Thus, the state must choose one of the two organizations to enter into negotiations with, and not surprisingly, the state chooses to carry out the agricultural settlement with the Norwegian Farmers’ Association, which is by far the largest.
TV 2 has been in contact with both the Norwegian Agricultural Organization and the Ministry of Agriculture, but no one will comment on the breach until it is official.
The case is updated.
2023-04-24 15:04:20
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