Vitenparken

Every spring, thousands of curious children and families gather in the heart of the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) for Livestock Spring – a very special experience where children get to meet the animals, hear the stories, and learn about the important interaction between food production, nature, and sustainability.

For over a decade, Vitenparken , in close collaboration with Ås Landbrukslag and Ås Kvinnebondelag, organized this knowledgeable and heartwarming event. What started as a local initiative has grown to become one of the region's most popular and meaningful events – with over 5,000 visitors each year.

From pats and cuddles to knowledge and crisis understanding

Around the beautiful Andedammen, both farm animals and farmers become stations on an interactive trail where children and adults can actively participate. Here, they not only get to pet sheep and hear roosters crow – they also gain insight into how food is produced, the challenges farmers face, and why Norwegian agriculture is a pillar of our society and our preparedness.

In the face of climate challenges, global conflicts and growing uncertainty around food security, Our Livestock provides a clear and down-to-earth reminder: To shape a sustainable future, we must understand where our food comes from – and who ensures that we have it.

Science, tradition and future in interaction

Vitenparken was originally established as an agricultural museum. Today we are a knowledge center with a national role in disseminating research and sustainability – from kindergarten age to adulthood. Our core business still revolves around food, climate and future solutions.

Through Our Livestock, we give children and families an opportunity to experience agriculture up close – combined with films, activities and research dissemination that put animals and food into a larger context.

An open and inclusive meeting place

The event concludes with an open and free weekend, where the entire university park is transformed into an inclusive meeting place for learning, play and conversation. It is a celebration of Norwegian agriculture – and a space to build bridges between research, tradition and the next generation.

Our Pets is not just about animals. It's about cultivating understanding, respect and engagement – ​​and giving children and young people knowledge they can carry with them throughout their lives.

Open event: May 31 – June 1, 2025

The weekend event Our Livestock is free and open to everyone, and takes place in the university park at NMBU on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, 2025. Here, children and adults can experience real farm animals, meet farmers and explore a variety of activities for the whole family – in the heart of Norwegian agricultural and sustainability research.

Press contact:
Elina Gobeti – elina@vitenparken.no | +47 980 27 501

Project manager:
Aiyana Hudsgins, educational leader – aiyana@vitenparken.no

Our Livestock 2025:
Kamal Malik – kamal@vitenparken.no

Photos: Louise Bjørngegen, Vitenparken

Several projects focusing on food, technology and agriculture

Our Pets are part of a broader commitment from Vitenparken in promoting understanding of sustainable food production, technology and future solutions among children and young people. We offer a range of teaching programs and projects aimed at middle and high schools, combining research, digital innovation and practical learning:

• CRISPR – Teaching modern gene editing and biotechnology with relevance to food production and agriculture.

• Food Choice – An interdisciplinary teaching program about sustainable food choices and consumer habits.

• Vitenparken hires insects – An engaging program that explores how insects can contribute to plant protection and ecosystem services in agriculture.

• Green Coding – Teaching how programming and technology can be used in modern agriculture and environmental management.

• Cocoa Crisis – A digital game developed in collaboration with Inspire to Action, supported by the Norwegian Directorate of Education, where students take a stand on global challenges related to food production, climate and ethics.

Vitenparken is also involved in several research and development projects in collaboration with leading academic environments:

• GreenSmart – NMBU's sustainability arena for smarter and greener cities, with a particular focus on urban farming and food systems.

• Sustainable Eaters – A project led by NOFIMA that explores how we can influence sustainable food choices in the population.

• School and kitchen garden “VitenEnga” that gives children and young people first-hand knowledge about cultivation, the natural cycle and food knowledge in practice.

These projects help strengthen the Science Park's role as a bridge builder between research, education and society – and show how knowledge about food and agriculture can be made relevant, inspiring and future-oriented.