From Submarines to Soil

Located just 10 minutes from downtown Trondheim, a city with 200,000 residents, Reppe Søndre is a model for peri-urban agriculture and inclusive development re-connecting an urban population with their local food supply.

In 2017, Lars Olav Stavnes and his wife, Marie, took over his family’s 100-hectare farm, Reppe Søndre. The sixth generation to cultivate the land, which has been farmed since 1661, they successfully transitioned the family farm from a conventional monoculture to organic and then regenerative production.

Before taking over the farm, Lars Olav trained as an electrical engineer and spent ten years in the Norwegian Armed Forces, working on submarines. When he took over Reppe Søndre, he became increasingly interested in regenerative farming, driven by a combination of concerns about soil degradation, a desire to farm full-time, and growing curiosity from their CSA customers about their agricultural practices. To respond with integrity, he and Marie immersed themselves in regenerative agriculture, dedicating countless hours to courses, workshops, and exchanges with other farmers. That investment paid off.

A Diversified Model Rooted in Inclusion

Today, Reppe Søndre operates as a cooperative, hosting multiple businesses on the farm including community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, a school garden, and heritage grain and flour production from their own mill.

The farm also features a cut-flower business, a farm shop, and an event space. Additionally, they rent out land and facilities for the Norwegian integration and environmental organization Deep Roots who run a market garden and café at the farm. Together, these initiatives have turned Reppe Søndre into a vibrant center for food, community, and social impact.

Both Lars and Marie work on the farm full-time and have expanded their team to include a carpenter, gardener, farmer, and chef. Volunteers from their CSA program and social work placements also contribute, making Reppe Søndre a thriving, collaborative environment. During open farm days, Reppe Søndre welcomes between 500 and 700 visitors, engaging them in a range of activities. “Reppe Søndre has become a place where people belong and there’s still room for many more.” Lars Olav reflects.

Though the transition from organic to regenerative farming initially led to yield losses, Reppe Søndre’s diverse income streams allowed them to push forward. “We are seeing signs of healthier soil and look forward to watching it improve in the years to come,” says Lars Olav. “Our customers come to us for high-quality produce, and most understand how we achieve these results. They’re willing to pay the price needed to sustain and grow the farm. Today, we’re actually struggling to keep up with demand.”

Preparing for the Next Generation

Looking ahead, Lars Olav and Marie envision Reppe Søndre as a model for regenerative farming in Norway. Their future plans include expanding agroforestry, integrating cattle into their system, and establishing an on-farm kitchen for food processing and community initiatives. Education remains central to their mission, with programs designed to teach school children about sustainable food systems and the importance of responsible farming.

“When we pass this farm on to the next generation,” Lars Olav shares, “it will be a place full of life, offering work opportunities for people committed to growing healthy food in ways that regenerate ecosystems—both locally and globally.”