Raspberry season attracts crowds to Søndre Røine farm in Lier

The sun shines on vibrant red raspberries nestled in the green bushes of Sylling in Lier, attracting numerous visitors to Søndre Røine farm. According to gardener Anita Myhre, who operates the farm with her husband Kurt, the demand for self-picking has surged in recent years.

“More and more people are eager to pick their own, and the word is spreading,” she notes.

Though botanically classified as a compound drupe rather than a berry, this year has proven to be an excellent raspberry season for Myhre. Even Skårberg Aarnes from the Norwegian Farmers’ Union confirms the rising trend, emphasizing the importance of educating the public about local food production.

“There is a significant interest, with some farms seeing visitors lining up for over an hour before opening,” Aarnes explains. He appreciates the opportunity to showcase farming practices and the effort behind quality produce.

Myhre has extended her opening hours to keep pace with the harvest. Visitors like Berit Westin Stang enjoy the experience, bringing a picnic along to make a day of it, while families like Sophie Grøtting Jonas and her son Matheus aim to create new traditions.

While they have concluded the strawberry season, raspberries remain abundant, with harvest extending into late August, given favorable weather conditions. Myhre also grows blackcurrants and underscores the unpredictability of farming, stating that excessive rain can lead to quick spoilage.

Despite the rewards, she likens berry farming to a risky sport, recalling last year’s extreme weather that drastically affected yields. Nonetheless, the allure of fresh, self-picked berries continues to draw crowds.