Exit from farming and land abandonment in Northern Norway

The combination of nature and farmed land is one reason why Northern Norway is attracting tourists. It is therefore of interest to know which farms that are more likely to quit faming, and to see what factors that are important for abandonment of farm land when the owner of the farm exits farming. Our results indicate that smaller properties in areas with few farmers are the most likely to be abandoned. Property structure is another important factor for abandonment, but is less important for the exit-decision. Size of the farm, including both rented and own farm land, appears to be more important for the exit-decision. Larger farm operations, with breeding stock, primary sheep and dairy cattle are more likely to continue farming.