Business Development Award in Agriculture 2026

Have you built a successful and sustainable business based on the resources of Norway's agricultural sector and rural communities? You could win the 2026 Business Development Award and a cash prize of NOK 300,000!
Smilende vinnere
The vegetable producer Brødrene Freberg from Nøtterøy won both the regional award for Vestfold and the national competition in 2025.
© Foto: Innovasjon Norge

Each year, we present the Business Development Award in Agriculture. We first select a winner in each county, who receives NOK 50,000 and advances to compete for the national award.

Last year, Brødrene Freberg won the Business Development Award for Agriculture. The other two nominees were Valdresmeieriet from Valdres and Galåvolden Gård from Røros.

See all the regional winners from 2026 further down this page.

Fakta om bedriftsutviklingsprisen i landbruket
  • Each year, we present the Business Development Award in Agriculture on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
  • Det er ein bedrifts- og næringsutviklingspris for etablerarar av vellukka bedrift eller næring med basis i landbrukets og bygdenes ressursar
  • I kvart fylke vert det kåra ein vinner som mottek 50 000 kroner
  • The county-level winners compete for the national prize of NOK 250,000

Now's your chance

This year, you could win the prestigious title and cash prize, along with recognition and acclaim. We are looking for businesses or individuals whose commercial activities draw on the resources of agriculture and rural communities. You can also nominate a candidate for the award even if you are not the business owner.

Candidate requirements

We assess candidates based on the following criteria:

Sustainability

  • Financial performance/profitability
  • Social impact, such as employment and benefits for the local community
  • Environmental benefits such as using local resources, promoting local culture and reducing emissions

Innovation/new development

Registration

The registration deadline has passed. Get in touch with your regional office if you have any questions about the Business Development Award in Agriculture.

Previous national winners

2025 Brødrene Freberg, Nøtterøy. Vegetable production.

2024 Vossabia, Voss. Skin and hair care products made with honey, beeswax and wild herbs.
2023
Holli Mølle, Spydeberg. Processes organic grain.

2022 Den Sorte Havre, Viken. Cultivation and production of black oat products.

2021 Øyna Kulturlandskapshotell, Inderøya. A sustainable hotel built into the hillside.

2020 Jentene på Tunet, Selbu. Production of handmade chocolate products.

2019 Grønn Gjødsel AS, Rakkestad. Production of organic chicken manure.

2018 ASK gård, Buskerud. Organic cured meat products.

2017 Bjertnæs og Hoel, Nøtterøy. Open-field market garden.

2016 Johan Fredrik Bråstad Kristiansen, Aust-Agder. Flower production.

2015 Tor Oxhovd Svalesen, Oppland. Bioenergy production.

2014 Rørosmat, Sør-Trøndelag. Brand building and sales company for local food.

2013 Moer Farm and Norwegian Antibodies AS, Akershus. Production of eggs and antibodies derived from eggs.

2012 Hillestad Farm, Aust-Agder. Holiday centre, jewellery production and gallery.

2011 Haaheim Gaard, Hordaland. Farm restaurant offering high-quality food and service, cultural events and more.

2010 Bakeriet i Lom, Oppland. Artisan bakery using local ingredients.

2009 Edel Design AS, Hedmark. Design and production (at the farm in Ringsaker) of a Norwegian clothing brand using pure natural materials.

2008 Ingrid Lekve and Jon Karlsen, Hedmark. A diverse operation encompassing sheep farming, lamb processing and sales, the 'Living Learning' farm-based educational programme, Grønn trapp and more.

2007 Lofotlam, Nordland. The branded product Lofotlam.

2006 Norsk Matraps, Østfold. Odelia rapeseed oil.

2005 The Golden Detour, Nord-Trøndelag. Joint marketing and promotion of the 'detour' as a brand, taking a holistic approach to nature, culture and quality.

2004 Line Bergsund and Trond Andersen, Buskerud. Training harness racing horses. Harness Racing Trainer of the Year 2004.

2003 Pruglhei Farm, Nordland. Abattoir, food processing, catering and farm shop.

2002 Steindal Farm, Rogaland. Green care, including residential and vocational training for psychiatric patients.

2001 Gangstad Farm Dairy, Nord-Trøndelag. Production of Camembert, blue cheese, salad cheese and confectionery cheese.

2000 Solem Sag ANS, Møre og Romsdal. Using Nordmøre pine to create specialist products: logs for log buildings, custom dimensions, rustic cladding, decking boards and furniture components made from grey alder.

1999 Fausko Farm and Coaching Inn, Buskerud. An organic farm with a newly restored coaching inn, serving the course and conference market with experiences and culinary culture.

1998 Aron Mat, Troms. Meat processing. Later participated in an export initiative promoting cured leg of lamb in Italy.

1997 Ivar Løne, Hordaland. Processing of sheep's heads and a catering business centred on cultural experiences, smalahove and Voss beer.

Published 18 May 2021Last updated 7 Sep 2026
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