"Stingy" was the reaction from John Petter Løvstad, deputy secretary general of the Norwegian Farmers and Smallholders Union (NBS) to the offer of NOK 1.6 billion (USD 312 million) to the nation's farmers.
The settlement is a thornier issue than usual, with agriculture in focus due to global shortages and rising costs, and with the agrarian Center Party in the majority coalition government.
"The distance to our well-founded demand of NOK 3.3 billion is still great," said Jon Trøyte, leader of the North Trøndelag Farmers Union. Trøyte does not believe one can say the offer is generous in real terms.
"This year's settlement is exceptional. We are in a situation with rising food prices and more people that lack food. At the same time the price of fertilizer, fuel and manpower have increased significantly. Then it is obvious that this year's figures must be higher than usual," Trøyte said.
A final settlement is scheduled to be agreed by May 16, and farmers have warned that they have actions planned across the country if they are not satisfied.
