Fonn Holand Gård wins regional agriculture award!

'We are incredibly proud and delighted to receive the Business Development Award from Innovation Norway in Nordland. This is wonderful recognition of our work at Fonn Holand Gård. We have always believed in sustainable agriculture and innovation, and this award gives us real motivation to continue our work,' says award winner Dina Fonn Sætre, who runs Fonn Gård with Henning Andreas Holand.

'It is truly inspiring to see what Dina and Henning have achieved at Fonn Holand Gård. They see opportunities, have the courage to invest and keep finding new ways to create more value from the farm’s resources. At the same time, they create local jobs and activity and showcase produce from Northern Norway. For me, they embody much of what makes agriculture in Nordland special: a drive to create, courage, strong local roots and confidence in the future,' says Monica Ahyee, our Regional Director in Nordland.

Small almond potatoes
The business stands out for its ability to spot new opportunities and create more value from the farm’s own produce. When almond potatoes weighing less than 30 grams were classified as too small, the farm turned them into Engeløya Mandel, a product with its own branding and packaging, sold in grocery shops across the country.

The farm has also made carrots a key crop and is the only farm in Northern Norway with an agreement to supply unwashed carrots to a wholesaler.

When twenty tonnes of Gulløye potatoes failed to meet appearance standards, the farm partnered with Det Norske Brenneri to use them in new products. This marked the start of Engeløya Brennevin. The farm has also repurposed existing buildings, converting old livestock barns into potato storage and refrigerated storage for carrots.

Innovation also shapes the farm’s development. Its largest investment is an AI-powered optical sorting machine for unwashed potatoes. The technology sorts the potatoes by size, shape, quality and intended use. This makes better use of the harvest and ensures the potatoes are used where they deliver the most value.

Fonn Holand farm has 10 employees and plays an active role in the local community. For several years, the farm has worked with NAV, the Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration, to provide work training, placements and jobs, while also supporting schools, nurseries, clubs and associations. Through its farm shop, REKO local food network, partnerships with local shops and restaurants, farm visits and social media, the farm also actively promotes agriculture in Northern Norway and shares the stories behind its produce.