Renndølsetra wins regional agriculture award

Eystein Opdøl and Jan Håvard Knee from Renndølsetra accepted the award, which we presented at the Innovation Festival in Åndalsnes on 6 November. They are proud to have received the award:

‘We are incredibly proud and grateful for this recognition from Innovation Norway. The award is a fantastic source of motivation for our work with local food, tourism and traditional mountain farming in Innerdalen,’ says award winner Eystein Opdøl.

Our Regional Director for Møre og Romsdal, Helge Gjerde, believes Renndølsetra is a role model for agricultural and tourism businesses:

'Renndølsetra is a good example of how farms can generate new revenue streams through experience-based tourism. The business combines cultural heritage, nature interpretation and innovation in a way that strengthens both local communities and Norwegian tourism,' says Gjerde.

Renndølsetra dates back to 1740 and is now run by Eystein Opdøl and Jan Håvard Knee. They combine traditional mountain farming with authentic guest experiences. This has transformed the farm into a complete destination offering accommodation, a farm café, local food and nature excursions.

All the milk is processed at the mountain farm and used in the food served there or sold on. The hosts share their knowledge of nature and culture with guests from around the world and with the many young people who have their first summer job here. Renndølsetra shows how old traditions can live on while creating something new.

Each year, we award the Business Development Award in Agriculture on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. The award recognises successful businesses or commercial ventures built on the resources of rural communities and agriculture. Each county selects a winner, who receives NOK 50,000. The county winners then compete for the national award of NOK 250,000.