Skavland Gartneri wins agricultural award

The award was presented by County Governor Bent Høie during the celebration of the Rogaland Agricultural Society’s 250th anniversary at Jærmuseet.

‘We weren’t expecting this,’ said Håvard Skavland after receiving the award.

Edle Skavland adds:

‘We really appreciate being recognised for the work we do together with our employees, who are the most important people in the company.’

Silje Arnesen, department head at Innovation Norway Rogaland, is very impressed by the award winner:

'Skavland Gartneri is a major tomato producer in our region, and we in the regional partnership are delighted and proud to present them with the 2026 Business Development Award for Rogaland. We believe they are a strong example of how a modern agricultural business can combine sustainable operations with a clear focus on the people who do the work. That makes them a worthy winner, and we wish them luck in the national competition,' she says.

The jury in Rogaland comprised representatives from Innovation Norway Rogaland, the Rogaland Farmers’ Union, Rogaland County Council, the County Governor of Rogaland and NHO Rogaland.

Social sustainability in focus

Håvard’s grandfather, Einar Skavland, built one of the first greenhouses on Talgje back in 1937. The farm now has 26,000 square metres of modern greenhouses. Today, the whole family works alongside the company’s 70 employees. From the small island of Talgje near Stavanger, home to around 300 people, they deliver tomatoes to shops across Norway.

The company is recognised for its strong commitment to social sustainability and employee welfare in the agricultural sector. On its website, it states that it aims not just to provide jobs, but also to make a positive difference to the lives of its employees and their families. Its workforce includes people from the Philippines, Vietnam and Ukraine.

After the war in Ukraine broke out, employees from Ukraine were granted collective protection and permanent jobs at the nursery. The nursery also provides housing, ensuring that employees have a safe and welcoming place to live.