About Helsekorn AS
Helsekorn AS is a Norwegian company specializing in the propagation and contract farming of hull-less barley, as well as the processing and distribution of products based on this unique grain variety.
Helsekorn and Hull-less Barley
Helsekorn AS was founded by entrepreneurs fascinated by newly developed hull-less barley varieties from the renowned Canadian plant breeding company, CDC (Crop Development Centre). Helsekorn AS holds an exclusive licensing agreement with CDC, granting us sole rights in the Nordic region for propagation, cultivation, and distribution of this unique type of hull-less barley.
The company is driven by committed employees with extensive and diverse experience in Norwegian agriculture. Helsekorn’s hull-less barley is distinguished by its particularly high dietary fiber content—especially the soluble fiber known as beta-glucan. The beta-glucan content in our hull-less barley is roughly twice that of traditional Norwegian hulled barley, offering significant health benefits.
Helsekorn provides products with market-leading levels of beta-glucan to food manufacturers, retail stores, institutions, and end consumers. Throughout the entire value chain, we focus on quality, taste, and health.
Helsekorn’s Nakenbygg is grown under contract with selected farmers and growers. The contract includes quality control at all stages of the cultivation period. Among other things, the agreement covers need-based restrictions on the use of chemical pesticides, growth management, and prevention of contamination with unwanted plant species.
Our expertise, combined with a strong local and international network, enables us to strengthen the value chain and contribute to healthier dietary habits in the markets we serve.
Our Ambition
To focus on the cultivation, processing, and distribution of grain products with a high content of dietary fiber, contributing to better health and a stronger immune system.
The Story of Helsekorn AS
A few years back, the Norwegian Food Barley was initiated by the County Governor of Østfold in collaboration with grain producers, Innovation Norway, Nofima, the Research Council of Norway, the Royal Norwegian Society for Development, among others.
This resulted in the project getting access to the necessary resources and expertise, notably through cooperation with the Crop Development Centre (CDC) at the University of Saskatchewan, Canada. CDC had developed new barley varieties known as hull-less barley, a variant significantly richer in beta-glucan compared to the traditional hulled barley varieties grown in Norway. Hence, the goal of the project was to identify and further develop a barley variety with a higher content of beta-glucan than the barley growing in Norway at the time.
The soluble dietary fiber beta-glucan, is known for its health-promoting properties. It was therefore important to have a high level of beta-glucan in the barley being cultivated to be used as food.
The barley varieties needed to have good agronomic properties – well adapted to the southeastern region of Norway, where the barley was being cultivated. Optimal light and temperature conditions during the growing season have been shown to stimulate high beta-glucan levels.
In 2024, Helsekorn AS was established, and entered a long-term Variety Licence agreement with CDC, involving propagation and commercial contract cultivation of these hull-less barley varieties in the Nordic region.
The agreement also specifies Helsekorn’s rights and access to future developed food grain varieties – both hull-less barley and oats – which will be specifically propagated to achieve the highest possible beta-glucan content.
Today, Helsekorn AS continues the work on an integrated and sustainable value chain for cultivation, cleaning, drying, storage, and processing of health-promoting grains, positioning the company to contribute significantly to healthier dietary habits and improved public health in Norway.
Team Helsekorn
Helsekorn is managed by a dedicated and experienced team, united by a shared passion for developing and distributing grain products that promote health and support the immune system.
Morten-Henrik Greidung
CEO
Morten-Henrik is a certified auditor from BI and NHH, with extensive experience from both Norwegian and international companies, primarily in leadership roles such as CFO and CEO. He has participated in a number of startup projects and defines himself as a business developer and investor. Morten-Henrik has roots in agriculture from Stryn, where he owns a small farm with proud goat-keeping traditions.
Ole Hvattum
Chair of the board
With a background from agricultural college and a master’s degree in chemical engineering from NTNU, Ole has nearly 30 years of international experience in business development at the Borregaard Group. His broad industrial expertise provides a strong foundation for the strategic development of Helsekorn.
John Tingulstad
Board member
John is an experienced farmer and agronomist, specializing in soil and plant sciences from NMBU, and holds a master’s degree in Agrobusiness and Economics from California State University, CSUF. He has also held leadership positions in agriculture-related industries, both nationally and internationally.
Bjørn Braaten
Board member
Bjørn is an entrepreneur, investor, and active farmer. He has been involved in the establishment of several growth companies in Norway and has succeeded with multiple investments that have yielded strong returns. His experience and network are valuable resources for Helsekorn.
Ole Kristen Karlsrud
Board member
Ole Kristen has for many years been an active farmer in Follo and is educated as an agronomist and agricultural technician. In addition, he is a general practitioner in Askim, a specialist in general and community medicine, and has a strong commitment to preventive health work—which aligns well with Helsekorn’s vision.