HANEN-members lead the way in business development within agriculture with a focus on food and beverage.  

That whole ten HANEN-members have won the Business Development Award in Agriculture in the past year, is clear proof of the great expertise, innovative power and will to the future that characterize our member companies. From mountain farms and small-scale dairies to urban cheese factories, circular farm models and experience-rich visitor farms: HANEN-the companies show in practice how Norwegian agriculture can create jobs, quality food, tourism experiences and sustainable solutions for the future.

These are companies with strong traditions, but also with the courage to develop new products and new services that meet today's market. What they all have in common is a deep respect for raw materials, a strong commitment to quality and a close connection to the local community. At the same time, they represent a new generation of producers who are able to combine history, knowledge and innovation — and who use both traditional and modern methods to create growth.

The Business Development Award in Agriculture – one of the industry's most important awards

The Business Development Award in Agriculture, awarded by Innovation Norway on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, annually highlights businesses that have created new industries based on agricultural resources. Each county selects one winner, who then advances to the national final. The award is one of the most prestigious in the Norwegian agricultural and local food sector, precisely because it assesses innovation, quality, profitability, sustainability and the ability to create ripple effects locally.

That so many of this year's award winners are HANEN-members, is no coincidence. It shows that the network brings together some of the country's most forward-looking companies in local food and tourism, and that HANEN contributes to professional development, knowledge sharing and professionalization throughout the industry.

Ten different companies – one common driving force

This year's award winners are spread across the country and represent a wide variety of disciplines. We find traditional cheese farms, modern dairies, urban cheese factories, circular farm models, visitor farms and businesses that combine agriculture and tourism. Despite major differences in operations, they share a common will to create something unique through good craftsmanship, sustainable resource use and local identity.

Several of the companies have highlighted traditional production methods such as stable farming, hand-yoking and local processing, while others have developed new models for locally sourced food, sustainable cycles and modern visitor experiences. Together, they show how great the innovation potential is in Norwegian agriculture when expertise, passion and tradition meet new market opportunities.

Managing Director of HANEN, Bernt Bucher Johannessen, is proud of all the great regional BU winners. He emphasizes that this year's results show the breadth, professional expertise and development power of the member companies - and that the awards reflect the strong commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation throughout the country.

Congratulations to the winners of the Business Development Award in Agriculture

Here are this year's ten HANEN-members who have won the county-wide Business Development Award in Agriculture – and a brief summary of why they were honored for their work:

Galåvolden Farm (Trøndelag)

Award winner for over 20 years of focused focus on local food, strong product development, historic craft traditions and exemplary use of local ingredients. A company that combines tradition and innovation in an exemplary way.

Övrejorde Farm (Buskerud/Viken)

Awarded for their innovative use of goat and goat meat and for their strong social profile. They create ripple effects for local processing, inclusion and food diversity through everything from "Kjebab" to "Goat in cabbage".

Renndølsetra (More and Romsdal)

Won for combining traditional farm operations from 1740 with nature experiences, accommodation and local food. A model for experience-based tourism where cultural heritage, nature and local food are highlighted in a holistic experience.

Winther Cheese (Oslo)

Hailed for creating a groundbreaking urban cheese factory in the heart of Aker Brygge, with full transparency around the craft. Producing award-winning cheeses from organic, unpasteurized milk and building a new food culture in the capital.

Åmli Farm Dairy (Agder)

Received the award for its diverse and sustainable farming, local processing of dairy products and strong will to develop. The farm's shop, tourism initiatives and collaboration with local players create great value.

Jersey Dairy (Rogaland)

Awarded for its impressive growth and focus on 100% Jersey milk. Has become Norway's fourth largest dairy in just a few years, with several award-winning products and a clear commitment to quality, animal welfare and sustainability.

Norheim farm (Northern Norway)

Known for its holistic circular operation and strong sustainability profile. Produces fruit, berries, flowers and non-alcoholic beverages, gives back to environmental projects and works closely with the region's producers. A role model for the future of green agriculture.

Valdres Dairy (Inland)

Honored for its processing of unique farm milk and world-class cheese craftsmanship. With multiple World Cup gold medals and a clear value chain, the dairy creates major ripple effects in Europe's largest remaining farm region.

Rygge Dairy (Ostfold)

Excellent for organic dairy products made from fresh milk from their own farm, produced in historic premises. Combining craftsmanship, quality and "short-haul happiness" — and has become an important local food player in just a few years.

Mannsverk Farm (Troms/Arctic)

Awarded for uniting tradition and innovation through a farm shop, café, strawberry production and local meat production. A modern, inclusive meeting place that communicates farm life and creates strong local communities.

Next step – the national award and a strengthened local food industry

The way forward is about highlighting the stories, products and people that make Norwegian local food and farm experiences so unique. Bringing these ten award winners together in a common narrative is not only inspiring — it also strengthens the visibility and position of Norwegian agriculture and food culture in the face of future opportunities and challenges.

The county winners will now advance to the national final, where one of them will receive the grand prize of NOK 250,000. Regardless of who comes out on top, this year's results have made one thing clear: HANEN stands stronger than ever as a driving force for quality, collaboration and innovation in the Norwegian local food and tourism industry.

Photo: Innovation Norway