Mannsverk Farm wins agricultural award

The farm, which dates back to 1870, is now run by the fifth generation, Olve and Cecilie Mannsverk, who are carrying 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.

Anne Berit Figenschau, Regional Director at Innovation Norway Arctic, is impressed by the award winners and believes they are an inspiration to the entire region:

‘Mannsverk Gård has demonstrated 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.’

In a short time, Mannsverk Gård has developed into a modern, diversified farm with strong roots in the local community. Here, Ove and Cecilie focus on local food production, prioritising 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 committed to creating meeting places and sharing knowledge. Drawing on their experience in the grocery and dairy industries, they have built a modern, diversified farm.

Each year, on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, we present the Business Development Award in Agriculture. The award recognises those who have established a successful business or industry based on rural and agricultural resources. Each year, a winner in every county receives NOK 50,000. The county winners then compete for the national award of NOK 250,000.