Størdal Gård from Tvedestrand wins our award
Britt Elisabeth and Øyvind Fossdal raise both pigs and sheep. Since 2021, they have also processed meat at Størdal Farm, served food on the premises, provided catering and sold products in their own farm shop. All their meat products come from animals raised on the farm to the desired size.
'We greatly appreciate the recognition that comes with such an important award. As we are still in a phase of expansion, this is welcome both financially and in terms of our future marketing,' say the award winners.
- We are deeply grateful to our employees and guests, who are ultimately both the purpose and the goal of everything we do.
A good example
Our Regional Director for Agder, Sveinung Hovstad, believes the award is well deserved:
'Størdal Gård is the clear winner of this year's Rural Business Development Award in Agder. Building on its traditional farming operations, the farm has evolved over time into a diverse business encompassing meat production, food processing, a farm shop and dining in its own attractive premises. It now provides many jobs and is profitable. Størdal Gård embodies the spirit of the award and is a strong example of business development in practice,' says Hovstad.
Contributes to a thriving local community
The award winners have created more jobs, and the company now employs 16 people, 14 of whom are women. Most work part-time, but together they account for six full-time equivalent positions on the farm.
The award winners have given many young people the opportunity to gain work experience while still at school. Britt often shares her expertise in food development with others in the region, helping to build a strong network and a collaborative environment. This brings more products to shops and food service businesses.
Food is served and processed in a farm building dating from the mid-19th century. Few buildings of this kind remain, although they were once common in Agder. The award winners received cultural heritage funding to restore it, and the building now looks better than ever. Øyvind's brother, Bjørn Fossdal, played a key role in restoring the property. They now have meeting and function rooms that are frequently used for everything from weddings to funeral receptions.