Olav Lie-Nilsen wins agricultural award for Innlandet

The farmer, who runs both Thorbjørnrud Ysteri and Øvre Kjekshus farm, has won the 2026 Business Development Award for Agriculture in Innlandet. He received the award at the dairy on 19 October.

Olav Lie-Nielsen says the award means a great deal:

‘The award is a wonderful recognition of many years of dedicated work to develop the farm and its business activities, food processing and brand building. There is great potential for sustainable business development rooted in agriculture. The long-term focus among producers, grocery retailers and consumers is beginning to turn this into a large and important industry,’ he says.

The dairy produces more than 10 tonnes of cheese a year and has received a number of national and international awards. Olav Lie-Nilsen is passionate about local, locally sourced food and has created a diverse range of culinary experiences for private functions and events.

The offering is based on the farm's own produce and close collaboration with other local suppliers. In this way, the dairy and the farm also create wider benefits for the local community. This makes them an excellent example of a farm that delivers both social and environmental sustainability benefits.

A driving force, inspiration and ambassador

In its citation, the jury highlights Lie-Nilsen's role as a driving force and ambassador:

Olav Lie-Nilsen has been a key advocate for local food and Norwegian agriculture. Through cheese-making, farming and food experiences, he has shown how local resources can create value and jobs. He has been a strong ambassador for locally sourced food, quality and sustainability. His work has inspired producers and consumers alike to appreciate Norwegian food and culinary culture.

Stine Evensen Sørbye at Innovation Norway says she is impressed by what the cheesemaker from Gran has achieved:

'Olav Lie-Nilsen has shown that it is possible to make world-class cheese in Norway, and he has made a major contribution to the development of Norwegian local food. He is a very deserving winner of this year's Business Development Award in the county.'