Learn to succeed with a farm shop: Great interest in HANEN Farm Shop School

More and more farmers and local food producers are looking to start their own farm shops. In line with the growing interest in local food, short-distance shopping and authentic experiences, the need for knowledge on how to run a farm shop – profitably and professionally – is growing.

An example for inspiration is Fredheim Gård, Loftet Gardsbutikk, Dirdalstraen Gardsutsalg or Skarstad Gartneri, all of which have been voted Norway's Best Farm Shop . These pioneering businesses have become role models for many who dream of creating something similar: a vibrant, visitor-friendly and sustainable store with local products and personal hospitality.

That is precisely why HANEN Farm Shop School aroused great interest. The course is designed for those who want to take the next step – and learn how to develop a holistic and attractive farm shop with pride and profitability.

What is HANEN Farm shop school?

HANEN Farm Shop School is a practical and educational 2-day course for those of you who either run, or want to start, a farm shop based on your own produce, local food and farm experiences.

Through lectures, sharing of experiences and practical tasks, participants receive concrete tools and new inspiration to develop store operations - with a focus on the customer journey and profitability.

The course is tailored for small and medium-sized players in farm sales, local food, rural tourism and directly produced food and drink. You don't need any prior knowledge - just a desire to develop the store and meet customers in an even better way.

Overwhelming interest in farm shop courses

According to Agneta Lindén Moen, project manager for HANEN Farm shop school and member manager in HANEN, the response has exceeded all expectations:

– There has been overwhelming interest in the course. The first year we had around 150 participants, and several of the courses have had waiting lists. Participants come from all over the country, says Moen.

She says that the courses place great emphasis on both the practical and the strategic:

– In the courses we work on branding, sales and marketing, as well as creating a holistic experience around the farm sale.
We also emphasize collaboration between producers and farm sales, supporting each other and building community among small players. We also look at pricing, calculations and practical sales tricks, she says.

Moen also highlights the motivation many farmers have to meet customers directly:

“It gives satisfaction and pride to sell your own produce. Many people want to have direct contact with the customer. At the same time, we see that farm shops are often a more family-friendly alternative to market sales,” she says.

This is what you will learn at the farm shop school:

• How to plan and run a profitable farm shop
• How to price and present your products correctly
• How to create a good shopping experience for customers
• How to use simple marketing to get more visits
• How to combine store operations with farm activities, catering and events

Next course: Molde March 24 and 25, 2026

The next course will be held at Eventyrlige Skaret in Molde on March 24–25, 2026. The course offers professional contributions from experienced speakers with solid expertise in sales, branding and farm development, and inspiration from skilled sellers in local food and drink.

• Patrik Alesand – entrepreneur and specialist in HR and sales
• Kari Hasselknippe – brand consultant with over 25 years of experience
• Janet Roelofs – local food enthusiast and experienced salesperson with a background in selling Norwegian-produced food and drinks

In addition to exciting lectures and workshops, participants will receive a local food lunch, practical tools and the opportunity to network with others who share the same vision: To make Norwegian local food and farm experiences accessible – and profitable.

Sign up and take the next step

Read more and register here: HANEN Farm Shop School – Molde 2026