Many farmers, for various reasons, do not want to talk to animal rights activists who think it is justified to illegally enter farms to film the animals.

Stefan Gård is a farmer with about 400 meat and dairy cows on the farm and chairman of the Swedish Dairy Farmers. He has chosen to face his opponent Samuel Rostøl.

- Animal rights activists like Samuel who advocate illegal intrusion, it's not okay. I think it's a cowardly behavior simply, ”says Stefan Gård before the meeting.

Became vegan a few years ago

Samuel Rostøl ate meat until a few years ago, when he became a vegan. Last year he was sentenced to a fine after an action against a slaughterhouse in Norway. Samuel Rostøl believes that it may be right to enter the farms illegally to foot and film the animals.

- Animals that are afraid of dying and suffering, to me they are more important than the inconvenience of being a little afraid that someone will film the animals on one's farm, he says before the meeting with Stefan Gård.

LRF sees 'significant increase'

During the past autumn and winter, the National Farmers' Association has seen a clear increase in incidents where animal rights activists have taken to private farms to film, photograph or live broadcast. But farmers' fears are much greater than the actual number affected, says Anders Drottja, responsible for crisis preparedness at LRF.

"You should have respect for this, but at the same time do not believe that every farmer will suffer," he says.

Anders Drottja estimates that during the autumn and winter, LRF has been in contact with approximately 5-10 farmers who have been involved in activists entering their farms. But he also believes in a great darkness.

- There has been a lot in the agricultural media, which is good but also makes the fear bigger than it should be, he believes.

“Must have dialogue”

Stefan Gård says that many colleagues have told him not to debate with animal rights activist Samuel Rostøl.

- But I think it's the wrong way to go quiet. We need to have dialogue, he says in the Meeting.

See part of the meeting in the clip above. The entire program can be viewed on SVT Play.