The Last Mink Farms in Sweden Set to Close Amid Government Support
Sweden's last mink farms are closing amid government support, ending a historical industry.
Key Points
- • Niklas Olsson is closing his mink farm with government support, a significant shift for the industry.
- • The Swedish government will allocate approximately 16 million euros to support the closing of all mink farms in Sweden.
- • Animal rights advocates in Finland are calling for similar closure support for their farmers due to declining demand.
- • Only a few countries in Europe still have large-scale fur farms, indicating the industry's impending collapse.
Sweden's last mink farmers are winding down their operations, marking the end of an era for the fur industry in the country. Niklas Olsson, who has been running one of the largest mink farms since 1945, has chosen to accept government closure support as he prepares to dismantle his operation. At its peak, Olsson's farm housed 60,000 animals and produced 50,000 to 55,000 mink skins annually. However, the sector has witnessed a significant decline in demand, prompting the Swedish government to offer closure support to all remaining fur farms starting in the fall of 2023.
The Swedish Agricultural Agency is set to distribute approximately 16 million euros to assist the farmers in exiting the industry. All 20 mink farms in Sweden have applied for this aid, but Olsson remains skeptical about receiving adequate compensation, expressing doubt with the statement, "I don't trust that there will be any compensation until the money is in the account."
This decision reflects broader trends within Europe, as only Finland, Poland, and Greece are left with large-scale fur farming operations. Animal rights activists in Finland advocate for similar closure support, underscoring that many fur farmers could abandon the industry if financial assistance is made available. Olsson laments the industry's demise, stating, "It is extremely sad. It could have been a wonderful future industry for many young people, but unfortunately, our politicians do not want us to remain."