Food Studio

This is the story of a group of students from ESCP Business School in Berlin studying sustainability entrepreneurship and their one-week trip to the Norwegian countryside. After spending one year learning about the existing systems and the way industries are set up to provide us with everything we need to live more than comfortably, it was time for us to zoom out, (re)connect with nature and understand how nature works to understand what sustainability truly means and how we can create solutions to combat the climate crisis, ensure food security, clean drinking water and a liveable world for all––the basic human rights, right? 

In the autumn of 2018, our journey towards a more harmonious existence with nature began with the purchase of Vefallneset in Drangedal Telemark. Originally known as "Strømneset," this place, cleared in the 1770s, was initially a smallholding.

"Norway violates the human rights of indigenous people. I feel it deep down in my spine. In November I went to Fosen and photographed and filmed the facts. I stood close and witnessed what the landscape looked like. I was there for two days before I was unable to stay there any longer. It was too painful. The wind turbines on Fosen must be demolished, and the land returned to the Fosen Sami" - Jannik Abel.

This year has been all about finding new ways to share our knowledge. One of the projects we have been working on is the e-bok Gathering together with Nordic Roots. Nordic Roots is a deeper, slower «time pocket» for the sharing knowledge, wisdom, and creativity from people who easily see the many opportunities to live a life more aligned with themselves and nature, both in their business and in their private life.

At the moment I am sitting overlooking the fjord of and the mountains of Saltdal having a winter break in the north of Norway. There is a peaceful quietness after a storm yesterday. The sun is slowly waking up in the winterlandscape, breaking through in dots on the mountains around. One of the most valuable teachings of last year has the importance of this rest, this silence after a storm. How this is where we regenerate, where we charge, and get ready for the next round.

2019 was the year Oslo was awarded the status of European Green Capital. 675 environment-related events around Oslo's streets, buildings and nature. In December, the stage was set for the final feast, and the Food Studio provided guidance on the menu and décor. A mix of local residents, politicians and organizers poured into the main entrance to City Hall on December 16.

WWOOF is a worldwide movement bringing people to a more sustainable way of life. By linking volunteers with organic farmers and growers to promote cultural and educational experiences based on trust and non-monetary exchange, thereby helping to build a sustainable, global community. This summer Linda Bovo and her friend Davide Carminati joined our first season at Vefall Neset farm in Drangedal as Wwoffers.