Torvholen Farm wins the Rural Development Award for Rogaland

The family farm in Jæren has been operating since 1854, and for the past 30 years, Marit and Arthur Salte have run it together. They produce pork, milk and beef, and grow grass and grain. They also run an agricultural contracting business and a dementia care centre.

'Torvholen Farm is a worthy winner of the regional Rural Development Award. Marit and Arthur Salte are genuinely passionate about their work and put tremendous effort into running a forward-looking farm where both people and animals can thrive. At the dementia centre, they draw on the joy of work, a sense of achievement, community, contact with animals and nature, as well as food and music, to help address one of the major societal challenges of our time. We wish them every success in the national competition, where they also stand a strong chance of winning,' says our Regional Director for Rogaland, Kari Holmefjord Vervik.

Torvholen Farm has its own IPT-approved dementia centre, tailored to people with early-stage cognitive impairment. Several municipalities in the Jæren region currently use the centre. The farm works closely with healthcare professionals and dementia coordinators in each municipality to create a daily routine that supports each person as their condition progresses.

The dementia centre focuses on giving its users authentic experiences and encouraging a desire to take part in meaningful work. A sense of achievement and community are key. Contact with animals and nature, together with food and music, makes this service unique in Rogaland. The dementia centre is the part of the farm being highlighted in connection with the Rural Development Award in Rogaland.

The family business is receiving Rogaland's Business Development Award in Agriculture today in recognition of Marit and Arthur's remarkable work in dementia care.

'We know we were up against many strong contenders, and we are proud and humbled to receive this award. It gives us motivation and inspiration. Inn på tunet is about many things, but above all, it is about inclusion, helping people feel a sense of achievement, and making use of the farm and its resources in this way. It is incredibly rewarding,' says Marit Salte.

In addition to running a dementia care centre, the farm is approved by the Norwegian Food Foundation. This means it is approved as an Inn på tunet farm, offering a wide range of quality-assured services.

The jury gave the following reasons:

Torvholen Farm is an exceptional Jæren farm, with substantial agricultural production encompassing pigs, cattle and dairy, as well as an exciting 'Inn på Tunet' initiative. Marit has primary responsibility for this part of the business, which provides a welcoming place for people living with dementia.

What is particularly impressive is their commitment to both traditional farming and Inn på Tunet. Their goal is to grow both areas side by side. For example, 22-year-old farm manager Maria, a qualified agronomist from Øksnevad, takes an active role in Inn på Tunet several days a week.

Torvholen Farm creates positive experiences for those who need them. Marit and Arthur will soon be serving all the traditional municipalities in the Jæren region. The Norwegian Health Association in Rogaland recently awarded Torvholen Farm the 2023 Rogaland Dementia Award in recognition of their work. At a time when mental health and dementia are increasingly pressing and challenging issues, both for society and individuals, it is wonderful to see Marit and Arthur opening their farm to welcome people into a safe and professional environment.

We at Innovation Norway Rogaland and our partners are proud to name Torvholen Farm the county winner in recognition of its commitment to social sustainability. Its finances and environmental practices are also sound, meaning the business meets all our criteria.

The award was presented at Storstova in Bryne on 1 November by Minister of Agriculture and Food Geir Pollestad and our Regional Director for Rogaland, Kari Holmefjord Vervik.