Census of agriculture, 2010

The figures from the Census of agriculture and forestry 2010 show this development. In 1999, every fourth natural holder was younger than 40 years of age, while every fifth holder was younger than 40 years in 2010. The number of holders in their 60s has increased from 14 per cent in 1999 to 19 per cent in 2010. Holders at the largest holdings have a slightly lower average age than other holders.

Higher percentage of single holders

Almost one out of four holders are single. This represents a slightly larger share than 11 years ago. There are most single holders in the counties of Oppland, Sogn og Fjordane and Finnmark, where more than every fourth holder lives alone. It might be interesting to note that the bigger the holding is, the larger the share of the holders that are married or cohabit.

Less than half educated

Less than half of all holders have a formal agricultural education. There are some regional differences. In the counties of Østfold, Hedmark and Nord-Trøndelag, more than half of the holders have an agricultural education. In Finnmark, Vest-Agder and Troms, between 66 and 70 per cent lack an agricultural education. At the largest holdings, a larger share of the holders are educated. The lowest percentage of educated holders is between the oldest holders and the holders younger than 40 years of age. Among the holders in their 40s, about 50 per cent have an agricultural education.

Tables:

• Table 1 Holdings with personal holder by age of holder average age by county and size of agricultral area in use
• Table 2 Hodings with personal holder by marital status, county and size of agricultural area in use
• Table 3 Holdings with personal holder by holder's and holder's spouse/cohabitant's agricultural education, county and various structural classificatons