Funen organic farmer named Wiuff of the Year 2026
Økologisk Nu“Mathias Nick Olesen represents a new generation of Danish food producers who dare to challenge traditional ideas about the role and potential of agriculture,” Lokale Fødevarer Danmark writes in a press release explaining why Mathias Nick Olesen has been named Wiuff of the Year 2026. With roots in a family tradition of biodynamic farming, Mathias works according to organic and regenerative principles, focusing on soil fertility, seasonal produce, and the direct connection between producer and consumer, the release continues. It describes the Funen-based organic farmer as one of the pioneers needed by the agriculture of the future. “Mathias embodies precisely the pioneering spirit that Wiuff of the Year was created to celebrate. He shows that the agriculture of the future is not only about producing more, but about producing better—with respect for the soil, the quality of the raw ingredients, and the gastronomy of which they are to be a part. We need producers who dare to lead the way, challenge conventional thinking, and create new opportunities for Danish food production,” says Jesper Zeihlund, chairman and founder of Lokale Fødevarer Danmark, which works to strengthen local food producers, promote high-quality Danish ingredients, and create closer connections between producers, professional kitchens, and consumers. **Eliminating costly intermediaries** Palleshavegaard is a small, family-run organic farm near Ringe in central Funen. The farm is being converted to biodynamic production and produces seasonal vegetables as well as meat from its own pigs and sheep. Its vegetable production includes potatoes, onions, cabbages, root vegetables, and various specialty vegetables. The products are sold through the farm’s own shop and as various weekly vegetable boxes through a so-called customer-farmer concept. The aim is to create a shorter and more personal route from soil to table and from food producer to consumer by eliminating all the costly and climate-impacting intermediaries represented by wholesalers, transportation, and retailers. The farm also supplies vegetables and meat to professional kitchens and restaurants. **A tribute to Danish ingredient producers** Dansk Cater is the main sponsor of Wiuff of the Year, which was established to create greater national recognition for the producers who contribute every day to developing Danish gastronomy through exceptional ingredients, professional pride, and the willingness to take new paths. “We often talk about the skilled chefs and restaurants that have made Denmark a world-class gastronomic nation. But behind the great gastronomic experiences are the producers and their ingredients. With Wiuff of the Year, we want to highlight the people who grow, raise, and develop the foundation on which Danish gastronomy is built. They deserve visibility, respect, and national recognition,” says Jesper Zeihlund.
“Mathias Nick Olesen represents a new generation of Danish food producers who dare to challenge traditional notions of the role and possibilities of agriculture,” writes Lokale Fødevarer Danmark in a press release about the background to Mathias Nick Olesen being named Wiuff of the Year 2026.
With roots in a family tradition of biodynamic farming, Mathias works according to organic and regenerative principles, where soil fertility, seasonal produce and the direct connection between producer and consumer are central focal points, the statement continues, describing the organic farmer from Funen as one of the pioneers that agriculture of the future needs.
"Mathias embodies precisely the pioneering spirit that Wiuff of the Year was created to celebrate. He shows that the agriculture of the future is not only about producing more, but about producing better – with respect for the soil, the quality of the ingredients and the gastronomy they are to be part of. We need producers who dare to lead the way, challenge conventional thinking and create new opportunities for Danish food production," says Jesper Zeihlund, chairman and founder of Lokale Fødevarer Danmark, Lokale Fødevarer Danmark, which works to strengthen local food producers, promote Danish quality ingredients and create closer connections between producers, professional kitchens and consumers.
Eliminates costly intermediaries
Palleshavegaard is a small, family-run organic farm near Ringe on central Funen. The farm is being converted to biodynamic farming and produces seasonal vegetables as well as meat from its own pigs and sheep. Vegetable production includes potatoes, onions, cabbage, root vegetables and various specialty vegetables.
The products are sold, among other ways, through the farm’s own farm shop and as various weekly vegetable boxes via a so-called customer-farmer concept. The aim is to create a shorter and more personal route from soil to table and from food producer to consumer by removing all the costly and climate-impacting intermediaries represented by wholesalers, transport and retail.
The farm also supplies vegetables and meat to professional kitchens and restaurants.
A tribute to Danish ingredient producers
Dansk Cater is the main sponsor of Wiuff of the Year, which was established to create greater national recognition for the producers who contribute every day to developing Danish gastronomy through exceptional ingredients, professional pride and the desire to take new paths.
"We often talk about the talented chefs and restaurants that have made Denmark a world-class gastronomic nation. But behind the great gastronomic experiences are the producers and their ingredients. With Wiuff of the Year, we want to highlight the people who grow, raise and develop the foundation on which Danish gastronomy is built. They deserve visibility, respect and national recognition," says Jesper Zeihlund.