Bygdeutviklingsmidler (BU)

Bygdeutviklingsmidler (BU-midler) are rural development funds allocated annually through the agricultural agreement in Norway. These funds serve as the most important economic instrument in the agricultural agreement for business development in and related to agriculture. Farmers who need to invest in operational buildings or develop new businesses on their farms can apply for support through these county-level rural development funds. The program supports investments in traditional agriculture and development of supplementary businesses. Women and youth are priority target groups for this funding. The program offers several types of support including establishment grants for new business ventures, business development grants, subsidies and/or interest rate support for loans for investments in buildings and equipment, grants for generational transitions, and support for other initiatives that align with the program's objectives.