It has been a bad summer for climate hysterics, but a very good summer for Norwegian farmers when it comes to harvests: Thanks to good summer weather and plenty of CO2 plant nutrition in the atmosphere, Norwegian harvests are on course to reach record levels. The important grain-growing areas of Eastern Norway have had the best season, while Trøndelag, further north, has faced somewhat greater challenges.

It is particularly the wheat fields that stand golden and are on course for ‘exceptional growth’, according to Nationen. Just before harvesting, production is up 22 per cent from last year, while oats, according to forecasts, are set to increase by 21 per cent. Overall, harvests are on course to be 6 per cent larger than last year, which was also a good year, and 13 per cent above the average for the past five years, so the climate catastrophes are keeping us waiting this year as well.

The supply of barley is somewhat lower than last year, but is still expected to reach 660,000 tonnes. Production of peas and field beans is also increasing, which will reduce the need for imports. Even the production of oilseed and protein crops is moving in the right direction, with peas increasing markedly, while field beans are showing weaker growth.

The harvest is not yet complete, and bad weather could still trip up the farmers, so it is still a little too early to celebrate – but one thing is certain: Although the weather can turn nasty at an unfortunate moment, climate change has not destroyed the possibility of good harvests.