The situation in the agricultural settlement was demanding, more than a day before the deadline, reports the Norwegian Farmers Association. The parties have until Tuesday to reach an agreement.

– It takes time, and it is a demanding process on important issues, says the message from leader Bjørn Gimming on the Farmers’ Association website.

It’s been a week and a half since the government presented its offer to the farmers. From what NTB understands, the real negotiations will probably continue until the deadline, which officially ends at midnight Wednesday night.

The offer was just under half of the NOK 6.9 billion that the farmer was asking for, but at the same time expressed a willingness to take steps towards equalizing incomes compared to typical working life.

The farmers’ demands total up to NOK 120,000 in compensation, while the state plans to spend NOK 40,000 to collect some of the savings for other groups.

– Countries show a desire to reduce the income gap, but there is a huge gap between what they offer and what we think is needed. Now we want to meet with the states, and they have to show a great deal of willingness to negotiate, because a lot is at stake in this year’s settlement, Gimming stressed.

Regardless of the outcome – breach or agreement – ​​the settlement comes to the Storting. After committee deliberation, the Storting must vote in time for a new major agreement for agriculture to take effect on July 1.

(© NTB)