G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
3 July 2023 
(23-4489) Page: 1/22 
Committee on Subsidies and  
Countervailing Measures  Original:  English  
 
  
SUBSIDIES  
NEW AND FULL NOTIFICATION PURSUANT TO ARTICLE XVI:1  
OF THE GATT 1994 AND ARTICLE 25 OF THE AGREEMENT  
ON SUBSIDIES AND COUNTERVAILING MEASURES  
NORWAY  
The following communication, dated and received on 29  June 2 023, is being circulated at the request 
of the delegation of Norway.  
_______________  
 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
1  INTRODUCTION  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  3 
2  ASSISTANCE TO RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES  ................................ ..........  3 
2.1  Renewable energy and technology for value added in agriculture aid scheme  
(Name changed from The Bioenergy Scheme in 2019)  ................................ ............................  3 
3  ASSISTANCE TO DISADVANTAGED REGIONS  ................................ ...............................  4 
3.1  Regional Transport Aid  ................................ ................................ ................................  4 
3.2  Regional Development Aid Scheme  ................................ ................................ ...............  4 
3.3  Aid Scheme for Economic Development in Svalbard  ................................ .........................  5 
4  ASSISTANCE TO SPECIFIC INDUSTRY S ECTORS  ................................ ...........................  6 
4.1  The Press Grant Scheme ................................ ................................ ..............................  6 
4.2  The Innovation and Development Grant Scheme  ................................ .............................  8 
4.3  National Programmes for the Promotion of Norwegian Space Industry  ................................  9 
4.4  Corona scheme - Compensation fo r maintenance expenses required by law for seasonal 
businesses  ................................ ................................ ................................ .......................  9 
5  EXCISE DUTIES  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  10 
5.1  Exemptions in the CO 2 Tax on Mineral Products ................................ ..............................  10 
5.2  Exemptions and Reduced rates in the Base Tax on Mineral Oil  ................................ ..........  11 
6  TEMPO RARY GRANT SCHEME FOR UNDERTAKINGS SUFFERING A SUBSTANTIAL  
LOSS OF TURNOVER  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 13 
7  ASSISTANCE TO THE FISHERY SECTOR  ................................ ................................ ...... 14 
7.1  Transport Support  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 14 
7.2  Sealing  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  14 
7.3  Carbon tax compensation scheme  ................................ ................................ ................  15 G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  8  ASSISTANCE TO FORESTRY SECTOR  ................................ ................................ ...........  16 
8.1  Subsidies for Forest Management Planning  ................................ ................................ .... 16 
8.2  Subsidies for Industrial and Environmental Purposes in Forestry  ................................ ....... 17 
8.3  Subsidies for Forest Infrastructure  ................................ ................................ ...............  17 
9  THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR  ................................ ................................ ......................  18 
9.1  Introduction to Subsidies on the Expenditure Side of the Budget  ................................ ...... 18 
9.2  Information on the Subsidy Programmes  ................................ ................................ ...... 18 
9.2.1  The Milk Sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 19 
9.2.2  The Meat and Egg Sectors  ................................ ................................ ........................  19 
9.2.3  The Grain Sector  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 19 
9.2.4  Potatoes and Horticultural Products  ................................ ................................ ...........  19 
9.2.5  Headage Support  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 19 
9.2.6  National Environmental Program  ................................ ................................ ...............  19 
9.2.7  Vacation and Replacement  ................................ ................................ .......................  20 
9.2.8  Market Regulation  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 20 
9.3  Expenditures and Market Structure  ................................ ................................ ..............  20 
 
  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  1  INTRODUCTION  
This report covers state aid programmes and schemes that were in operation in 2020 and 2021 . The 
amount of subsidies which are reported, refer to actual payments in the fiscal years 2020 and 2021 . 
As regards the agricultural sector, covers schemes in force from 1 January  2020 until 
31 December  2021. Numbers for 2022 were not available at the time of writing.  
Through Norway's participation in the European Economic Area (EEA), Norwegi an legislation, un der 
which subsidies are granted, is consistent with the legislation of the European Union (EU) . However, 
agriculture and fisheries are not part of the EEA Agreement.  
2  ASSISTANCE TO RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES  
2.1  Renewable energy and technology for value a dded in agriculture aid scheme (Name 
changed from The Bioenergy Scheme in 2019)  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
Administered by Innovation Norway on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.  
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
• The Annual Agricultural Agreement.  
• The Annual State Budget.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The objective of the scheme is to promote the production and use of bioenergy as an environmentally 
friendly alternative to fossil energy.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The scheme applies to all types of companies, all regions and all sectors.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
2019: NOK 77 million  
2020: NOK 87 million  
2021: NOK 97  million 
2022: NOK 112 million  
7. Duration of the subsidy  
The scheme was established in 2003, and the duration is dependent on annual allocations.  
Prolonge d and modified from 01/01/2021 to 31/12/2025 . 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the t rade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical information indicating trade effects are not available.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  3  ASSISTANCE TO DISADVANTAGED REGIONS  
3.1  Regional Transport Aid 
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation, the County Municipalities of Sør-Trøndelag, 
Nordland and Troms . 
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
The Annual State Budget.  
Regulation on eligible areas for investment aid and transport aid (FOR -2014-06-17-807).1 
Regulation on regional aid funds (FOR -2013-12-11-1574)2 with guidelines .3 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
Stimulate economic growth in less developed areas by means of reducing the competitive 
disadvantages caused by long distances, difficult transport conditions and scattered population.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The purpose of the scheme is to offset additional transport costs of firms located in the low population 
density areas of Norway . Additional transport costs are the extra costs occasioned by mo vements of 
goods within the borders of Norway . Under the scheme aid is granted in relation to transport from 
places within the area of finished or semi -finished goods that have undergone significant processing 
within the eligible area . The aid is granted e x-post on the basis of verifiable incurred transport costs.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
2019: NOK 5 ,5 million  
2020: NOK 0 million  
2021: NOK 0 million  
7. Duration of the subsidy  
31.12.2021  
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
3.2  Regional Development Aid Scheme  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
Innovation Norway on behalf of The Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation.  
 
1 Regulation of 01.07.2014.  
2 Regulation of 01.01.2014.  
3 Reviewed guidelines in effect from 01.01.2015.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
Act No. 130 of 1 9 December 2 003. 
Regulation on regional aid funds (FOR -2013-12-11-1574) with guidelines of January 2 015. 
Regulation on eligible areas for investment aid and transport aid (FOR -2014-06-17-807). The Annual 
State Budget.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
Stimulate development of undertakings within the regional assisted areas.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants  and loans . 
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The Ministry of Local Government and Modernizatio n allocates funding for the county authorities for 
use on loan and grant schemes in areas with special employment problems or a low level of economic 
activity . The county authorities decide how much will be allocated for such instruments within their 
own r egion . The allocation from the county authorities is transferred to Innovation Norway for 
decisions on approval or rejection of applications from enterprises located in the corresponding 
county.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
2017: NOK 337 .83 million  (NOK 262 .18 million  in grants, and NOK 75 .65 million  in loans)  
2018: NOK 323 .60 million  (NOK 281 .15 million  in grants, and NOK 42 .45 million  in loans)  
2019: NOK 264 .32 million  (NOK 228 .36 million  in grants, and NOK 35 .96 million  in loans)  
2020: NOK 253 .96 million  (NOK 221 .35 million  in grants , and NOK 32 .61 mill ion in loans)  
2021: NOK 195 .05 million  (NOK 173 .79 million  in grants , and NOK 21 ,26 million  in loans)  
2022: Data will be available in August 2 023. 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Duration has not been specified, depend ing on Parliament appropriations.  
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the  trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
3.3  Aid Scheme for Economic Development in Svalbard  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
Innovation Norway on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.  
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
Act No. 130 of 1 9 December 2 003 on Innovation Norway.  
Letter from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries to Innovati on Norway dated 20th June 2 016 
(Regelverk for tilskudd til næringstiltak på Svalbard ). 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The objective is to stimulate new economic development in Svalbard.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The scheme applies to all companies and sectors, including services, based in Svalbard and 
registered in the Norwegian Brønnøysund  Register Center . Interested businesses has to apply to 
Innovation Norway.  
Aid is granted on the condition  that aid is necessary to start up and realise a new project.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
2020: NOK 2 million  
2021: NOK 2 ,05 million  
2022: NOK 2 ,1 million  
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Starting date : 1 January 2 015. 
Duration : Parliament only approved funding for this scheme in 2015 . Aid was granted under this 
scheme, based on the 2015 funding, in 2016 and 2017.  
The Parliament approved new funding for the scheme in 2020 to follow up on the government's 
innovation strategy for Svalbard from 2019.  
8. Statistical data pe rmitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
4  ASSISTANCE TO SPECIFIC INDUSTRY SECTORS  
4.1  The Press Grant Scheme  
1. The authority responsible for the subsidy  
The Ministry of Culture  and Equ ality. 
2. Title of the subsidy programme  
Production grant  scheme  for news and current affairs media . 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The objective of the scheme is to maintain diversity in written news and current affairs media 
throughout Norway, with a broad editorial content targeted to the general public . Furthermore, the 
scheme shall promote independent journalism characterised by high quality, especially news and 
current affairs media in markets that are too small to be sust ainable or which are alternatives to the 
leading media in the different media markets.  
4. Background and authority for the subsidy  
The scheme was first introduced in 1969 by a parliamentary decision.  
Present legislation : Regulations on production grants for n ews and current affairs media, adopted 
by the Norwegian Ministry of Culture 9 December 2 022. 
The regulations replaced previous regulations of 2 5 March 2 014. The purpose of the new aid scheme 
was to adjust the eligibility criteria, new provisions on how the  aid is calculated and additional 
mechanisms to prevent overcompensation.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  5. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
6. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
Grants are given to media which:  
 
(1) Have as their primary objective to engage in continuous journalistic production and the 
distribution of news, current affairs and social debate to the general public.  
(2) Have news, current affairs and public debate as their main content.  
(3) a) Applicable to all eligible groups of media, except for national ni che media : Contain a broad 
range of news, current affairs and debate content from different areas of society.  
(3) b) Applicable only to national niche media : Contain a broad range of news, current affairs 
and debate material on politics, economics or soci ety to the general public.  
(4) Are editorially independent.  
(5) Have appointed an editor according to the Media Liability Act Section 4.  
(6) Receive genuine payment for news, current affairs and debate content, and advertising, 
according to a publicly avai lable price list.  
(7) Calculated single sales constitutes less than half of the medium 's calculated subscriptions 
amount.  
(8) Publish at least five in -house produced articles per week for a minimum of 48 of the year 's 
weeks and publish a total of at least 480 in -house produced articles per year.  
(9) Have at least 700 subscriptions, or 450 subscriptions if the media is a sole media located in 
municipalities with fewer than 5000 inhabitants, and with centrality 5 or 6 according to the 
SSB (Statistics Norway).  
 
Further conditions are stipulated in section 6 to 8 in the regulations.  
The grants are first allocated between the four different categories of media eligible under the 
scheme, which is:  
 
(1) Leading and sole local media : a leading local medium is define d as a local medium that has 
the largest circulation at a publishing site . A sole local medium is defined as a local medium 
without any competition at a publishing site.  
(2) Local secondary media : are defined as local media that have a competitor with a greater 
number of subscriptions at the publishing site . Local secondary media are only eligible if their 
number of subscriptions exceed 700 . Local secondary media which exceed 
50.000  subscriptions are not eligible for aid.  
(3) National secondary media : is defined as a secondary medium that has at least : 
- 700 subscriptions, - 500 of its subscriptions in minimum four of the counties in Norway, and : 
- 25% of its subscriptions outside its county of production/publication . National secondary 
media which have mo re than 50.000 subscriptions are not eligible for aid.  
(4) National niche media : is defined as a secondary medium that has at least : - 700 subscriptions, 
- 200 of its subscriptions in minimum four of the counties in Norway, and - 25% of its 
subscriptions o utside its country of production/publication . A national niche medium must 
contain a broad range of news, current affairs and debate content on politics, economics or 
society to the general public . National niche media which have more than 50.000 subscriptions 
are not eligible for aid.  
 
Given that the eligibility criteria and the allocation of grants in the scheme differ from those in 
previous production grant scheme, some media might lose their entitlement to grants or have their 
grants reduced . In order to allow these media sufficient time to adapt their business to these 
changes, affected media will benefit from a transitional scheme in a period of three years.  
7. Subsidy per unit  
The grant per unit varies greatly i.e., according to of the media 's user income, number of 
subscriptions and competitive position, see the regulation § 12 . The grant amounted to a total of 
366,5  million  NOK in 2021 and was divided between 148 different news media . In 2022 the grant 
amounted to a total of 383  million  NOK and  was divided between 146 different news media . The 
grants were divided as follows in 2021 and 2022:  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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   2021  2022  
Secondary media  87.8 million  NOK 95.4 million  NOK 
Leading media  269.3  million  NOK 278.4  million  NOK 
Sole media  9.4 million  NOK 9.2 million  NOK 
8. Duration of the subsidy  
The duration of the scheme is maximum six years (time limit set by the EFTA Surveillance Authority) 
and by Decision No 112/14/COL, ESA approved the scheme from 1 2 March 2 014 to 1 2 March 2 020. 
By Decision 006/20/COL, ES A approved a prolongation of the scheme to 3 1 December 2 020. On 
June 2 6 2020 ESA granted a temporary extension of the current scheme from 3 1 December 2 020 
to 31 December 2 021. By Decision No 220/22/COL, ESA approved the scheme from 1 January 2 023 
until 2029.  
9. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Support is assumed to have no trade effects due to the low level of exports/imports of newspaper s. 
4.2  The Innovation and Development Grant Scheme  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Ministry of Culture  and Equality . 
2. Title of the subsidy programme  
Innovation and development scheme for news and current affairs media.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
Grants shall promote media diversity and an enlightened public discourse and stimulate editorial 
innovation and development in local news and current affairs media.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
Grants are given to media which:  
(1) Have as their primary objective to engage in journalistic production and the distribution 
of news, current affairs and social debate to the general public.  
(2) Contain a broad range of news, curr ent affairs and debate content from different areas 
of society  or that contain a broad range of news, current affairs and debate content on 
politics, economics or society to the general public.  
(3) Have an editor in chief . 
All types of media, including bro adcasters, fulfilling the eligibility criteria are eligible to apply for 
grants.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
2020: 20,3 million  NOK 
2021: 20.9 million  NOK 
2022: 20,9 million  NOK G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  7. Duration of the subsidy  
The duration of the scheme is until 3 1 December 2 022. By Decision No 219/22/COL, ESA approved 
a prolongation of the scheme until 3 1 December 2 028. 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Support is assumed to have no trade effects.  
4.3  National Programmes for the Promotion of No rwegian Space Industry  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries through the Norwegian Space Agency.  
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
The Annual State Budget.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
Assistance for enterprises that delivers goods or services to space related programmes including 
programmes administered by the European Space Agency (ESA) . The programme seeks to increase 
the spin -off effects of the Norwegian  membership in ESA.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The grant is eligible for all enterprises that develop space related goods and services . The Norwegian 
Space Agency administers the allocation of the grant.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
Granted expenditure for 2021 was NOK 222 million  
Granted expenditure for 2022 was NOK 22 ,8 million  
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Duration has not been specified, depending on Parliament appropriations.  
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
4.4  Corona scheme - Compensation for maintenance expenses required by law for 
seasonal businesses  
1. Background and  authorit y for the subsidy  
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.  
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
Revised Annual Budget 2020  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
Supporting seasonal business operating under Law regarding cable cars and Law regarding 
amusement facilities, requiring seasonal maintenance, during the coronavirus lockdown.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
Subsidies for maintenance required by law, for seasonal businesses losing a si gnificant part of their 
income due to the coronavirus lockdown . The scheme was operated by Innovation Norway, and aid 
was paid out based on documentation of a certain degree of lost income and costs for maintenance 
required by law.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
Granted expenditure was about 15 mill . NOK. 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
The scheme was valid from July to end of October 2 020. 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
No trade effects are expected.  
5  EXCISE DUTIES  
5.1  Exemptions i n the CO 2 Tax on Mineral Products  
1. Background and  authority responsible for the subsidy  
The Ministry of Finance . 
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
The Parliaments annual resolution concerning the CO 2 tax on mineral products and Regulation 
11 December 2 001 No. 1451 concerning Excise Duties.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The CO 2 tax on mineral products was introduced 1 January 1 991. As of 2022, the tax encompasses 
nearly all uses of fos sil fuels that are not encompassed by the European Emission Trading System 
(EU ETS) . As of 2022, the standard rate is equivalent to 766 NOK per ton of CO 2, Thus, the tax base 
is broad and the tax rate is high compared to similar taxes that have been establ ished or proposed 
in other countries.  
The policy objective of the CO 2 tax is to reduce emissions of CO 2 from combustion of mineral products 
(fossil fuels).  
When the CO 2 tax was introduced in 1991, there were no realistic alternative to fossil fuels in many  
sectors . Some of these sectors were given a reduced rate or were exempted . Since 1991, most of 
these reduced rates and exemptions have been abolished, but a few still remains.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Tax concession.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
Main rules : 
General tax rates 20 21: 
Mineral oil            NOK 1 .58 per litre  
Petrol             NOK 1 .37 per litre  
Natural gas            NOK 1 .17 per Sm3 
LPG            NOK 1 .77 per kg  
General tax rates 202 2: 
Mineral oil            NOK 2 .05 per litre  
Petrol             NOK 1 .78 per litre  
Natural gas            NOK 1 .52 per Sm3 
LPG            NOK 2 .30 per kg  
Tax concession : 
Natural gas and LPG used in commercial greenhouses are exempted from the CO 2 tax. 
6. Amount of the subsidy  
Expenditure for 20 21: 
Natural gas and LPG in chemical reduction etc.      NOK 45 million  
Commercial greenhouses         NOK 30 million  
Expenditure for 202 2: 
Natural gas and LPG in chemical reduction etc.      NOK 100 million  
Commercial greenhouses         NOK 25 million  
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Starting date : 1 September 2 010. 
The scope of the CO 2 tax was extended to include natural gas and LPG from 1 September 2 010. 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
5.2  Exemptions and Reduced rates in the Base Tax on Mineral Oil  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Ministry of Finance.  
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
The Parliament s annual resolution concerning the base tax on mineral oil and Regulation 
11 December 2 001 No. 1451 concerning Excise Duties.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The tax on mineral oil (base -tax on mineral oil) was introduced 1 January 2 000. The objective of the 
tax was to avoid a switch in energy use from electricity to mineral oil when the electricity tax was 
increased from 1 January 2 000. G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  Sectors where electricity was not a substitute to mineral oil are charged a reduced rate or exempted.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Tax concession.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
Main rules : 
General tax rates 20 21: 
Mineral oil            NOK 1 .74 per litre  
General tax rates 202 2: 
Mineral oil            NOK 1 .76 per litre  
Tax concession:  
Mineral oil to the fish oil and fish meal industry are exempted from the base tax on mineral oil.  
Mineral oil to the pulp and paper industry and the production of pigments and colouring agents are 
levied a reduced tax rate.  
Reduced rates : 
Reduced tax rates 20 21: 
Mineral oil            NOK 0 .23 per litre  
Reduced tax rates 202 2: 
Mineral oil            NOK 0 .23 per litre  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
Expenditure for 20 21: 
Fish oil and fish meal industry, pulp and paper industry, production of pigments and  colouring 
agents:             NOK 25 million  
Expenditure for 202 2: 
Fish oil and fish meal industries, pulp and paper industry, including production of pigments and  
colouring agents:            NOK 30 million  
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Starting date : 1 January 2 000. 
The base tax on mineral oil was abolished from 1 January 2 023. 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  6  TEMPORARY GRANT SCHEME FOR UNDERTAKINGS SUFFERING A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS 
OF TURNOV ER 
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Brønnøysund Register Centre on behalf of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.  
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
The legal basis for the measure is set out in the Act on a temporary grant scheme  for undertakings 
suffering a substantial loss of turnover after August 2 020 ( Lov om midlertidig tilskuddsordning for 
foretak med stort omsetningsfall etter august 2020 ) and supplemented by Regulations adopted 
pursuant to this Act . The compensation is paid from the state budget . The scheme is compatible 
with the functioning of the EEA Agreement pursuant to its Article 61(2)(b) for the period 
January -February 2 021. For the period from March 2 021 till February 2 022, the scheme is compat ible 
with the functioning of the EEA Agreement pursuant to its Article 61(3)(b).  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The Business Compensation Scheme was part of the government 's measures to mitigate the financial 
effects of the coronavirus and the infection control measures.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The compensation scheme offers financial compensation to enterprises which have experienced a 
substantial decrease in revenue as a result of the COVID -19 situation . Companies are eligible under 
the measure if they have suffered a substantial decline of revenue per aid granting period as a 
consequence of the COVID -19 situation . The aid granting periods were either two months or one 
month . The revenue decline h ad to be at least 30 % except for the period September -October 2 021 
where it had to be at least 40 %. The measure applies to the whole territory of Norway and is open 
to all sectors of the economy with certain exceptions.  
The authorities measure the decline in revenue by comparing the actual revenue  
of the beneficiary during the period for which the support is sought, to the revenue  
in an equivalent reference period.  
The aid granted to each beneficiary was calculated by multiplying the unavoidable fixed costs  by the 
percentage loss in revenue and an adjustment factor . For some periods, a deductible was present.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
NOK 429 million4 
NOK 5529 million5 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
January 2 021 - February 2 022 
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
 
4 Excluding services, according to classifications under the European System of Accounts.  
5 Total amount, including services.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  7  ASSISTANCE TO THE FISHERY SECTOR  
7.1  Transport Support  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.  
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
The Annual State Budget and the Regulation on Confiscation of Catch and Use of Confiscated Funds 
[FOR-2010-03-12-390] (Forskrift om inndraging av fangst og bruk av inndregne midl ar). 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The purpose of the grant is to support transport of fish and seafood between different areas in order 
to uphold fisheries activities . The grant secure that catches from small fishing vessels reach the 
fishing industry.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grant.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The transport support is given to the following sales organisations:  
 
The Norwegian Raw Fish Organisation  
Fish Sales Association for Sunnmøre and Romsdal  
Fish Sales Association for Western Norway  
The Southern Fish Sea Sales Association  
The Norwegian Herring Sales Association  
 
The sales organisations are responsible for the distribution of the transport support to fishers and 
the fishing industry . Each sales organisati on submit an annual plan showing how they intend to apply 
the funds so that fishing activities are secured.  
 
The fish farming industry is not eligible for aid under this scheme.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
Balanced budget for 2019 : NOK 23 ,9 million  
Balanced budg et for 2020 : NOK 23 ,5 million  
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Starting date : At least since 1958 . Duration is not specified . Dependent on annual budgets.  
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
7.2  Sealing  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
The Annual State Budget.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsi dy 
The objective is to contribute to maximum utilization of harp -seal quotas.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The sealing fleet and sealing processors can apply for subsidies.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
Balanced budget 2021 : NOK 1 .75 million  
Balanced budget 2022 : NOK 1 .5 million  
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Duration has not been specified.  
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
7.3  Carbon tax compensation scheme  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries.  
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
The Annual State Budget together with forskrift 17.12.2020 om midlertidig tilskudd som 
kompensasjon for CO2 -avgift til fartøy som driver fiske og fangst i nære farvann.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
Norway implemented full carbon tax 1 January 2 020 on fuel to fishing vessels . In order to give the 
fleet some time to adapt to this new situation we at the same time introduced a new compensation 
scheme . A scheme which aims to establish incentives towards more fuel -efficient fishery . The system 
means that vessels with a high turnover will be better off whi le vessels with a lower turnover will 
benefit less from this system.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
All recipients need to apply for the subsidy which then will be calculated due to the system regulated 
in the legislation.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
Fishing vessels can apply for compensation for the Carbon -tax the following year (2023 for 2022) . 
The arrangement means that individual vessels are compensated according to their share of the first 
hand value within their vessel group . G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
- 16 - 
  6. Amount of the subsidy  
Balanced budget 2021 : NOK 255 million  
Balanced budget 2022 : NOK 255 million  
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Duration has not been specified.  
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade eff ects are not available . 
8  ASSISTANCE TO FORESTRY SECTOR  
8.1  Subsidies for Forest Management Planning  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Norwegian Agricultural Authority on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.  
2. Legislation under which the subs idy is granted  
Regulation on grants for forest management planning with environmental registration of 
4 February  2004. Funded by the Agricultural Development Fund (LUF) under the annual Agricultural 
Agreement.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The objective is to stimulate forest management planning as a basic measure to promote sustainable 
forest management including:  
• Active short and long term utilisation of the forest resources.  
• Preservation and enhancement of fo rest functions related to biological diversity, 
landscape, and cultural and recreational values.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The subsidy is available to forest properties with more than 1 hectare . Provided a given ar ea 
coverage of pre -ordered individual forest management plans, the grant covers resource registration 
surveys of larger designated areas and preparation of forest management plans on individual 
properties . Area registrations provide data for forest invento ry and resource overviews . The 
programme also supports capacity building on application of the forest management plan.  
 
The sizes of the grants are decided by the county governor based on the total resource registration 
and plan preparation costs . Normally, subsidies are not granted to properties that have received 
grants from this programme within the last 10 -year period.  
6. Amount of  the subsidy  
2021: NOK 32 million . 
2022: NOK 30 million . 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Starting date : 1971. Duration is not sp ecified . Dependent on annual budgets.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
- 17 - 
  8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
8.2  Subsidies for Industrial and Environmental Purposes in Forestry  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Norwegian Agricultural Authority on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.  
2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
Regulation on grants for industrial and environmental purposes in forestry of 4 February 2 004, 
founded on the Forestry Act of 2005 . Funded by the Agricultural Development Fund (LUF) under the 
annual Agricultural Agreement.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
To stimulate value -adding forestry activities and long -term investments like silviculture and forest 
roads, as well as to enhance environmental values related to biological diversity, landscape, cultural 
inheritance and recreational activiti es. 
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
The grant is eligible for all categories of forest owners and all properties exceeding 1.0 hectare of 
productive forestland.  
The Norwegian Agricultural Authority assigns the grant thro ugh the County Governor to local 
authorities at municipal level.  
Local authorities are free to develop specific rules in accordance with the national framework . 
Granted measures can be silviculture, pre -commercial thinning, construction and reconstruction of 
forest roads, conservation and enhancement of environmental values in forest and harvesting of 
round wood in difficult terrain . The subsidy rates are determined by local authorities.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
2021: NOK 204 million . 
2022: NOK 170 million . 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Duration is not specified . Dependent on annual budget.  
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
8.3  Subsidies for Forest Infrastructure  
1. Background and  authority for the subsidy  
The Norwegian Agricultural Authority on behalf of The Ministry of Agriculture and Food.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
- 18 - 
  2. Legislation under which the subsidy is granted  
The Annual State Budget and the Forestry Act with amendments.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy  
The policy objective is to develop infrastructure necessary to uphold the forest activity in marginal 
forest areas . The grants are mainly aimed at timber quays and forest roads.  
4. Form of the subsidy  
Grants.  
5. To whom and how the subsidy is provided  
All forest owners are eligible for grants, based on application containing plans for the infrastructure 
project.  
6. Amount of the subsidy  
2021: NOK 180 ,2 million . 
2022: NOK 146 ,2 million . 
7. Duration of the subsidy  
Starting date : 1976. 
Duration is not specified . Dependent on annual budgets.  
8. Statistical data permitting an assessment of the trade effects of the subsidy  
Statistical data indicating trade effects are not available.  
9  THE AGRICULTURAL SECTOR  
9.1  Introduction to Subsidies on the Expenditure Side of the Budget  
The notification of the subsidies in the agricultural sector gives an overview of general developments 
in the Norwegian Agricultural Policy and of agricultural subsidy programs.  
Reference is also made to the notifications on domestic support provided to the Committee on 
Agriculture.  
9.2  Information on the Subsidy Programmes  
The various programs are listed under the sub headings 9.2.1 to 9.2.8 below . The notification covers 
schemes in force from 1 January 2 020 unti l 31 December 2 021. Numbers for 202 2 were not available 
in time for the deadline for this notification . Norwegian agricultural policy is implemented in pursuit 
of the overall objectives concerning food security, agricultural production throughout the count ry, 
improved productivity and sustainable agriculture.  
Target prices for farm products and the fiscal support to agriculture are agreed upon as integral 
parts of the annual Agricultural Agreement between the farmers' unions and the Government . The 
Agricult ural Agreement is subject to ratification and appropriation of budget funds by the Norwegian 
Parliament . Allocations in the Agricultural Agreement are made under Chapter 1150, Ministry of 
Agriculture of the State budget (cf. table 1 below for details).  
Support is provided for grains and oilseeds, fruits and vegetables, milk and dairy products, meat 
from bovine animals, veal, mutton, pork, poultry meat, eggs and wool . Direct payments, of which a 
significant part is differentiated by criteria such as regio n, size of farms, arable land and number of 
animals, play a significant role.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  9.2.1   The Milk Sector  
Milk production is of vital importance in several rural regions as alternative forms of agricultural 
production are scarce . It is a policy objective to facilitate  employment and economic activity in the 
countryside, maintenance of agricultural landscape, and to fulfil national food security policies 
including protecting arable land and securing a decentralized production structure.  
Since 1 July 2 002, base deficiency payments are granted for goat milk only . In addition, regional 
deficiency payments apply to rural areas . The deficiency payments are paid for each lit re of milk 
delivered to the dairy . The amount varies according to region, and the highest suppo rt is given in 
the northernmost districts in Norway . Structural income support is also provided to each farm . The 
support is paid as a lump sum to producers with 5 or more cows or 27 or more goats for milk 
production . The objective of the program is to equ alize income between larger and smaller holdings.  
From 1 . January 2 019 a programme to strengthen the economy of small and medium size dairy 
farms in Norway was introduced . The payment is made per milk cow, to farms that have at least 
6 or more cows, indepe ndently of the yield per cow . A fixed amount per cow is paid from cow 1 to 
cow 23. The maximum amount of support is granted to farms with 23 cows . As from cow 24, the 
total amount is reduced per additional cow . Farms with more than 50 milk cows do not rece ive any 
payment through this measure . All farms with 6 to 50 milk cows are eligible to receive support based 
on their numbers of cows.  
9.2.2   The Meat and Egg Sectors  
Producers of meat from mutton receive a base deficiency payment on all output . Producers of beef  
cattle receive structural income support . The support is paid as a lump sum to producers with 6 or 
more suc kler cows . In addition a deficiency payment is provided as a quality incentive for wool . 
Regional deficiency payment is provided to producers of mea t and eggs in less favoured regions . 
The payment is differentiated by region and by type of meat . The rates are highest in the 
northernmost county in Norway . Transport support is granted to equalise farm gate return due to 
differences in distance from slau ghterhouses, processing plants and major consumer markets . A 
small amount of transport support is granted to the egg sector based on the same rational as for 
the meat sector . Producers of beef receive payments per kg beef under the quality incentive suppor t 
program for beef if the quality requirement of class O or better in the EUROPE quality standard is 
met. The aim of the program is to increase the overall quality of Norwegian beef.  
9.2.3   The Grain Sector  
The Grain Price Support Program aims at securing the sal e of Norwegian grain and to reduce the 
prices on raw materials for flour and for feed purposes.  
9.2.4   Potatoes and Horticultural Products  
Regional deficiency payments are provided to production of fruit, berries and vegetables.  
9.2.5   Headage Support  
The headage support is based on the number of animals, and the support is differentiated by region, 
farm size and kind of animal.  
9.2.6   National Environmental Program  
The aims of the national program are to ensure that various types of agricultural landscapes are 
maintained  and that valuable biotopes and cultural heritage are attended to and taken care of . Given 
that agricultural land in Norway constitutes only 3 % of the total area, it is important to safeguard 
environmental goods, which are dependent upon the agricultural l andscape . An essential part of the 
program is therefore to prevent that the agricultural land is deteriorated . Furthermore, the program 
is aimed at contributing to an agricultural production that leads to the least possible pollution and 
loss of nutrients.  G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  The economic measures under the environmental programs shall cover the additional costs linked 
to the participation in the program through the maintenance of the agricultural landscape and other 
environmental requirements, and represent payments for the p roduction of environmental goods . 
The payments under the National Environmental program include payments per decare  and 
payments for grazing animals.  
Organic production is subject to separate support programs.  
9.2.7   Vacation and Replacement  
To enable livestock f armers to have sufficient holidays and time off they are refunded expenses for 
hiring relief personnel under the Vacation and Replacement Scheme . Eligible farmers must document 
the expenses.  
9.2.8   Market Regulation  
Market regulation is mainly financed through a marketing levy . Producers become liable for the 
marketing levy when selling a product . The aim of the market regulation is to equalize prices to 
producers and consumers in different regions and to secure supply of agricultural products in all 
regions of th e country.  
9.3  Expenditures and Market Structure  
Deficiency payments, the structural income support, support under the environmental program as 
well as the Vacation and replacement scheme are granted directly to farmers . The rest of the 
programs are market reg ulation schemes and other indirect schemes.  
The amounts of support measured by total budget expenditures for 20 20 and 20 21 are listed in 
tables 1 to 5 below . All numbers are account figures . Tables 1 to 10 provide updated information on 
Agricultural Support in Norway as well as market information on major agricultural commodities . 
The sources are Proposition No 1 (2018 -2019) and (2019 -2020) to the Norwegian Parliament by the 
Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the Norwegian Agriculture Agen cy (Landbruksdirektoratet ) and the 
Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research (NIBIO).  
In Table 1 Price Support and Other direct payments to producers are totals from Table 2 and Table  3. 
The rates in Table 5 and 6 multiplied by eligible volumes of milk and meat are equivalent to Price 
Support in Table 2.  
Table 1  
Chapter 1150, Agricultural Agreement  
Million NOK  
 2020 2021  
Agricultural Development Fund  1260.1 1299.1 
Market Regulation  31.4 31.4 
Price Support (total from table 2)  4041 4016 
Other direct payments to producers  9619 9821 
Table 2  
Chapter 1150, Price Support  
Million NOK  
 2020 2021  
Milk 691,7 707,5  
Beef, veal, mutton and pork  1579,4  1592 
Cereals  1196,3  1224, 2 
Eggs 11,3 10,5 
Potatoes, fruit and vegetables  215,5  178 
Wool 109,7  107,6  
Other  237,6 196,6  
Total  4041  4016  
 G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  Table 3  
Chapter 1150, other direct payments to producers  
Million NOK  
 2020 2021  
Structural income support  1663,3 1670,6 
Headage support, animals  2526,5  2594 
Grazing support  978,4  1040,2  
Acreage and cultural landscape scheme  4061,4  4119,3  
Support to organic production  118,2  124,2  
Production support on market crops  50,4 50,4 
Other  220,4  222,6 
Total  9619  9821  
 
Table 4  
Base deficiency payment, amount per unit  
(NOK per kg)  
 2020 2021  
Mutton  3.81 3.81 
 
Table 5  
Regional deficiency payments, amount per unit  
(NOK per litre/kg)  
 2010 2021  
Milk 1) 0.00/1. 89 0.00/1. 89 
Meat 2) 0.00/1 4.40 0.00/1 4.40 
1) 10 zones, varying rates, lowest and highest cited . 
2) 5 zones, varying rates, lowest and highest cited (varies also for kind of meat) . 
Table 6  
Cow's milk  
Year  Received by diaries  Consumption  
million kg  
Million litres  Whole, low -fat and 
skimmed milk  Cream and sour cream  
2020 1497 437 44 
2021 1525 424 42 
 
Table 7  
Cheese (million kg)  
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
2020 96,1  7,9 17,9 106,2  
2021  91.9 4,7 19,8 107 
 
Table 8  
Butter (million kg)  
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
2020 19,2 0  0.6  19.8  
2021  18,6 0  0.6 19,2 
 G/SCM/N/401/NOR  
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  Table 9  
Cereals (million kg)6 
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
Wheat  
2020 308,5  0 276,0  656  
2021 249 0 319,6  587,9  
 
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
Rye 
2020  33,3 0.0 9,1 42,9 
2021 38 0.0 9,3 35,7 
 
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
Barley  
2020 611,9 0.6 8,8 584,5  
2019  579 0.6 0,7 636 
 
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
Oats  
2020 296,6  0 34,5 259,7  
2021 254 0 13,8 304,5  
 
Table 10  
Meat (million kg)  
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
Beef and Veal  
2020 85,3 0.7 16,4 100,9  
2021 87,7 0,8 21,4 108,3  
 
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
Lamb  
2020 24,7 0,3 0,3 24,7 
2021 24,5 0,0 0,8 25,3 
 
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
Pork  
2020 131,7  4,9 7,7 134,5  
2021 134,8  4,4 14,4 144,8  
 
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
Poultry  
2020 107 1,8 1,2 106,4  
2021 115,6 1,4 1,5 115,7  
 
Table 11  
Eggs (million kg)  
Year  Production  Exports  Imports  Consumption  
2020 74,1 1,2 0,5 72,8 
2021 74 1,2 0.7 73 
 
__________  
 
6 Production data cover the marketing year 2018/2019 and marketing year 2019/2020 respectively.