Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Taste of Norway
From earth to table Traceability, safety and quality are three of the main elements in the food production at Storegra Gård. By Marte Eide | Photos: Storegra Gård
“We run the farm based on organic principles,” says Erik Meidell, who has been the farm manager for 30 years in close cooperation with the owner and his vision for the farm. “It has been an exciting journey,” he says. “The farm is in constant movement and development, and we have gained experiences from both conventional and organic farming over the years.” The focus of Storegra Gård has always been centred around safe and authentic food. “We try to produce food that is as healthy as possible. We believe food will become even more important in the future, and people are becoming more and more interested in knowing more about what food they eat,” says Meidell. “Numerous school classes, kindergartens and associations have visited to learn more about our way of farming. It is important because they get a different relationship to food, it becomes something more than just what you buy at the shop.” The importance of traceability and quality 80 | Issue 97 | February 2017
is seen in the way the farm takes care of its Aberdeen Angus cattle. “We were the first farm in the area to make a century barn, which is better for the animals as they have more space and can move around more freely,” explains Meidell. “Animal welfare is important to us, and that is reflected in the animals’ temperament as well as the products.”
product of high demand, and it’s fun to produce something so niche. It’s also nice to see your own corn amongst the products in the local shop.” The long-term ambition for Storegra Gård is to keep expanding the ecological and organic farming. “Our goal is to make the farm 100 per cent organic – that would be really amazing!” concludes Meidell.
Storegra Gård also focuses on keeping good relationships with local partners. “We have been working with a local butcher for many years, which has been highly beneficial, and we’d also like to arrange more open days for visitors,” Meidell says. Besides producing high-quality Angus beef, Storegra Gård has deer and produces gluten-free corn. “We have to put in extra effort in order to ensure that the gluten-free corn meets the strict requirements, but it is worth it!” says the farm manager and adds that the corn is sold to local producers including AXA. “It is a
For more information, please visit: www.storegra.no Instagram: @storegra_gaard Facebook: Storegra Gård