An effective and flexible instrument
The report shows that the scheme successfully addresses many agricultural policy objectives by further developing traditional agriculture and supporting other agriculture-based business development.
The scheme has played, and continues to play, a particularly important role in investments to modernise agricultural buildings, helping to sustain farms across the country. This is especially important for farmers who must comply with the loose-housing requirement from 2034.
On the other hand, the evaluation identifies simplifying the application form and the scheme's criteria as an area for improvement. It also highlights long processing times as a challenge, mainly because demand exceeds the available funding. At the same time, the application portal's 'sparring area' is seen as valuable, as it allows prospective applicants to talk to us and receive input and clarification before preparing a full application.
Farmers' relationship with us and regional collaboration also receive positive feedback.
‘Agriculture and the IBU funding scheme are a major and important part of our work,’ says Silje Lesjø, EVP for Agriculture.
‘We are very pleased with the evaluation’s results and findings, and we will carefully consider the areas for improvement it identifies,’ says Lesjø.
Facts about IBU funding
Investment and business development funding supports profitable value creation and contributes to employment, thriving rural communities and diverse agriculture across Norway. It covers investments in traditional agriculture and the development of other agriculture-based industries. The funding is allocated through the Agricultural Agreement and has increased from NOK 635 million in 2020 to more than NOK 1.3 billion in 2026.