Faroese authorities reclaim land rights from tenant farmer

The Faroese government has taken back land-use rights from a tenant farmer who refused to allow Bakkafrost, a major aquaculture company, access to water for industrial operations, according to a newly elected MP for the People’s Party.

Kristian Krog Hentze, a member of the Faroese parliament (Løgting) for the People’s Party, confirmed the decision after questioning Health and Environment Minister Eydis Hartmann Niclasen in a parliamentary inquiry. Hentze had asked whether the minister would intervene to stop alleged illegal water extraction from the Heimastahaga-Norðaripartur area in Skálavík.

In her response, Niclasen referred the matter to the Faroese Prosecution Service, stating she could not confirm claims of unlawful water use in Skálavík. However, Hentze argued that under the 2006 Faroese Land Law, tenants hold water rights that can be sold or mortgaged. He confirmed that the Agricultural Agency (Búnaðarstovuna) had reclaimed the rights—not due to mismanagement, but as a legal measure.

The dispute centres on access to water resources in Skálavík, where Bakkafrost sought to use water for its operations but faced resistance from the tenant farmer.