Socio-economic Unity in the Evolution of an Agricultural Cluster

An agricultural cluster in Norway is investigated through a combination of analytical perspectives from studies of industrial clusters and industrial districts within economic geography and agricultural geography. Both the emergence of the cluster and its current operation are analysed. The sociocultural dimension of the cluster has been important for the evolution of the cluster. The notion of the diligent farmer is central to the expansion and stability of the cluster. The emergence of the diligent farmer is related to the religious and moral values prevailing in the region, which has been instrumental to the cluster’s identity. The role of a specialized labour market is less important than in industrial clusters. Specialized knowledge and service providers are present. The cluster is now in a sustained mode, partly due to reduced heterogeneity.