Øvrejorde Farm wins agricultural award

Through innovative product development, sustainable solutions and social engagement, the family has built a business that both preserves tradition and embraces new ideas. Their work has now earned them an award.

‘We greatly appreciate the recognition for the work we do as mountain goat farmers. It is wonderful to help create jobs in the village and preserve mountain farming traditions and biodiversity,’ says Ole Øvrejorde. ‘It is important to showcase high-quality goat products. Goat meat is an underrated and excellent ingredient,’ he adds.

The farm is run by husband-and-wife team Ole and Hanne Christine Øvrejorde, with valuable support from several family members as they develop the business. The company has invested in processing goat meat locally and produces popular products such as 'Kjebab' and 'Geit i kål'. The products have also been developed to appeal to people from immigrant backgrounds.

'The jury was impressed by the innovative use of the underutilised resource of goat and kid meat, including as a substitute for pork in ‘kjebab’,’ says Kristin Willoch Haugen, chair of the jury and EVP of Innovation Norway Eastern Region. Øvrejorde also creates positive ripple effects by supplying locally sourced goat’s milk to cheese producers in the region and demonstrating a strong commitment to social responsibility through inclusive employment.

The jury also highlights that Øvrejorde farm has built a profitable business, created more jobs and strengthened local value creation. The farm produces goat’s milk, which it sells to Tine and to local producers in Ostebygda.

The winner's own kid and goat meat is processed by local businesses and sold locally. Local meat-cutting businesses create more jobs and make productive use of the low season. The company also buys goat meat from other producers, which is then processed and sold. It also catches trout, which is sold alongside the meat through REKO food networks or directly to consumers.

The company focuses on local processing and locally sourced food, combined with sustainable solutions such as solar panels and active grazing. The farm also demonstrates a strong social commitment by offering work training and open farm visits. It is known for innovation, its diverse activities and its visibility through REKO food networks and the Ostebygda network. This gives Øvrejorde a distinctive position.

Each year, we award the Business Development Award in Agriculture on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The award recognises businesses that have successfully built their operations on rural and agricultural resources. Each county selects a winner, who receives NOK 50,000. The county winners then compete for the national award of NOK 250,000.