Headline: Rein Conflict Escalates: Farmers Worry About Winter Damage, as Minister Eyes New Beite Area
Rein conflict in Os and Tolga municipalities, Norway, is escalating, with farmers expressing concerns about winter damage to their crops. Energy Minister Terje Aasland plans to send 2100 new reindeer from Fosen to the area for winter beiting from 2026.
Farmers worry that insufficient snow cover between October and December will lead to "isbrann" (ice damage), harming plant growth and reducing fodder for their livestock. This could result in significant financial losses for the farmers, as mentioned by local farmer Bernt Olav Langbekkhei.
The planned new beite area is near an existing one, putting reindeer on both sides of the valley. The energy department’s choice follows a 2024 Supreme Court ruling, where they lost a case for illegal wind turbine construction on Fosen. Reineers agreed to find a new beite area, with Håmmålsfjelles/Sålekinna in Os and Tolga being the only viable alternative, according to a Nibio report.
However, local farmers believe that asks them to bear the brunt of the responsibility for containing the reindeer, arguing that it’s unfair to expect them to build and maintain higher, more robust fences. Tine Nestvold, local leader of Norges Bondelag, criticized the proposal, stating that it’s arrogant to shift the blame onto farmers.
Reindriftsdirektøren Siv Merethe Belbo acknowledged farmers’ concerns but maintained that fencing off more land is the most practical solution, regardless of whether it’s within or beyond the beitedistrikt.
The conflict’s resolution may hinge on a promised governmental task force, which is yet to present its findings. Farmers vow to reject any agreement that doesn’t first resolve the existing conflict.
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