Mannsverk Farm wins agricultural award
The farm, which dates back to 1870, is now run by the fifth generation, Olve and Cecilie Mannsverk, who have carried on the family legacy with great dedication and fresh thinking. They are clear about the farm's winning formula:
‘We wanted to create a place where people can experience authentic farm life while enjoying high-quality, locally produced food. It is about preserving traditions while also developing something new and relevant for today’s society,’ says Cecilie Mannsverk after receiving the award.
Our Regional Director for the Arctic, Anne Berit Figenschau, is impressed by the award winners and believes they are an inspiration to the entire region:
‘Mannsverk Gård has shown an impressive ability to combine traditional values with modern solutions. They have created a place that not only produces food, but also offers experiences, shares knowledge and serves as a local meeting place. Their commitment to sustainability and local value creation is an inspiration to the region’s agricultural sector.’
Animal welfare and quality
In a short space of time, Mannsverk Gård has grown into a modern, diversified farm with strong roots in the local community. Ove and Cecilie are committed to producing local food with a focus on animal welfare, sustainability and high quality.
The farm produces both beef and pork and has also developed a large-scale strawberry operation. In November 2024, Ove and Cecilie opened their own farm shop in the old silo, followed in summer 2025 by a welcoming farm café in the former dairy barn – a place where visitors can sample local food and experience farm life up close.
The farm has previously welcomed visitors and been part of the 'Inn på tunet' programme, and Ove and Cecilie have always been passionate about creating places for people to meet and sharing their knowledge. Drawing on their experience in the grocery and dairy industries, they have built a modern, diversified farm.
Business Development Award in Agriculture
Each year, we award the Business Development Award in Agriculture on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The award recognises those who have built a successful business or industry based 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.