landbruk

Landbruk refers to the practice of cultivating soil and raising animals for food, fiber, fuel, and other products. It covers the full production cycle from land management and sowing to harvest, animal husbandry, and often processing and distribution. The term is widely used in Norwegian contexts and corresponds to agriculture in many other languages, encompassing both small family farms and larger commercial operations.

Core activities include crop farming, livestock production, horticulture, and, where relevant, fisheries and aquaculture. Many farms integrate forestry or agroforestry. Modern landbruk relies on a mix of traditional practices and technology, such as machinery, irrigation, fertilization, pest control, and increasingly data-driven approaches like precision farming, sensors, and decision support tools. Value chains connect primary production with processing, packaging, and retail.

Landbruk is a major source of rural employment and a key element of national food security and landscape management. In many countries it is supported by government policies, subsidies, and rural development programs aimed at stable production, environmental stewardship, and territorial balance. Ownership patterns, farm size, and succession processes influence the structure and resilience of the sector.

Environmental considerations are central to contemporary landbruk. Efforts focus on soil health, water efficiency, biodiversity, and emission reductions. Sustainable practices include crop rotation, soil conservation, reduced tillage, integrated pest management, organic farming, and careful use of inputs. The sector faces challenges such as climate change, market volatility, capacity for labor, and the need to reconcile productive goals with conservation and animal welfare standards.