Departments

Department for Land Use, Rural Development and Forest Policy

Ministry of Agriculture and Food

The department of Department for Land Use, Rural Development and Forest Policy works to develop a long-term forest and resource policy that supports the creation of values, environmental protection, and sustainable business development. It is responsible for advancing a modern and robust farmland protection policy, as well as strategies and tools for business development within the value chains of agriculture, forestry, and outlying land. The department also oversees property legislation in the agricultural sector and follows up on the land consolidation courts. Additionally, it is responsible for the Svalbard Global Seed Vault and maintains the governance dialogue with Innovation Norway and Bionova. The department also manages state ownership of Statskog SF, Kimen, and Graminor.

The department consists of the following sections

  • Land use and property policy (SAE)

    The section is responsible for matters related to land use policies, spacial planning, property ownership in agricultre, use structure and legal issues concerning rights, grazing and fencing. It also handles farmland protection and objections to plans and consultation projects, land use and licensing cases under other legislation, and the potential impacts of reindeer husbandry and agriculture.

  • Forest Policy, Environment and Wildlife Management (SMV)

    The section covers responsibilities related to forestry, climate, and biodiversity. It is also in charge of legislation and regulations related to forestry, as well as business policy and research on the subject.

  • Business development and regional policy (SNR)

    The division is responsible for regional and rural policy, as well as tasks related to business development and value creation. It focuses on developing agriculture and outfield based industries, genetic resources, and regional and district policy. The section also coordinates and follows up the Ministry’s sectoral responsibility for recruitment to agricultural education and skills development in the sector. It manages the Ministry’s governance dialogue with the County Governor and Innovation Norway, and maintains contact with the county authorities.