The Norwegian Fur Industry Has Ceased to Exist. Breeders Sue the State
Five fur animal breeders are suing the Norwegian state. They are demanding between 50 and 60 million NOK in interest for delayed compensation payments.
The lawsuit could be significant for future settlements in the industry.
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Seven years have passed since the Storting decided to liquidate the fur industry by 2025. So far, the state has paid out 1.7 billion NOK in compensation. Some breeders are still waiting for final settlements. Now, the case is heading to court as a class action lawsuit against the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
Lawsuit Over Interest and Missed Deadlines
The lawsuit was filed by five farmers representing different regions of the country—from Rogaland in the south to Trøndelag in the north. They represent a broader group of industry stakeholders. Their claim concerns interest for delays in the payment of due funds. The amount demanded is between 50 and 60 million NOK.
According to Bertran Trane Skadsem, chairman of the Norwegian Fur Breeders Association, the state exceeded its own deadlines by more than 800 days. The last payments were delayed by over two years. In 2022, breeders received advances. However, not all have received their full, final settlements. The ministry has not commented on the matter.
According to Bertran Trane Skadsem, chairman of the Norwegian Fur Breeders Association, the state exceeded its own deadlines by more than 800 days. The last payments were delayed by over two years. In 2022, breeders received advances. However, not all have received their full, final settlements. The ministry has not commented on the matter.
In June 2019, the Storting decided to close the fur industry in Norway by 2025.Photo: fotolia.pl/royalty free
Political Dispute Over Responsibility
Former Minister of Agriculture Geir Pollestad from the Centre Party described the lawsuit as "completely justified." He rejected accusations of sluggishness and pointed to the previous government as responsible for the original compensation rules. He emphasized that the priority was to ensure full compensation, not to finish the process quickly.
Grunde Almeland from the Liberal Party criticized these statements. He pointed out that Pollestad was responsible for implementing the compensation system as minister. He reminded that the Centre Party and the Labour Party led the ministry for almost five years. According to him, responsibility for the pace of payments lies with both current and former ministry authorities.
The case is scheduled to go to the Oslo District Court in the summer of 2026. Breeders announce they will pursue their claims through legal means. The proceedings could set a precedent for further settlements related to the liquidation of the fur industry in Norway.
Grunde Almeland from the Liberal Party criticized these statements. He pointed out that Pollestad was responsible for implementing the compensation system as minister. He reminded that the Centre Party and the Labour Party led the ministry for almost five years. According to him, responsibility for the pace of payments lies with both current and former ministry authorities.
The case is scheduled to go to the Oslo District Court in the summer of 2026. Breeders announce they will pursue their claims through legal means. The proceedings could set a precedent for further settlements related to the liquidation of the fur industry in Norway.
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