Sørkedalen business wins agricultural award

'We like to think of ourselves as bridge-builders between town and country, and believe we grow more than just flowers. We cultivate curiosity, knowledge and memorable experiences, ideally with soil under our fingernails and a relaxed approach,' says award winner Maria Flem.

Established in 2023, the company grows cut flowers outdoors in a field in Sørkedalen. Traditional varieties naturally suited to the area thrive here – without greenhouses, artificial fertilisers or pesticides.

The business idea is simple: to offer an environmentally friendly alternative to imported flowers, which often travel long distances, frequently by air. The flowers are not wrapped in plastic either.

Our Regional Director for Eastern Norway, Kristin Willoch Haugen, is particularly impressed by the range of revenue streams the business has developed: flower subscriptions, pick-your-own flowers and courses.

‘An important aspect is that they grow traditional varieties, helping to increase biodiversity, and that their entire business model is based on locally grown plants cultivated without pesticides as a sustainable alternative to imported flowers,’ she says.

The jury highlights how the winner has rediscovered forgotten flower varieties and built a profitable business on a small plot of farmland in a densely urban setting. According to the jury, Marka Blomster shows that innovative farming can work in harmony with nature.

As the county winner, Marka Blomster receives NOK 50,000 – and now goes on to compete for the national prize of NOK 250,000.