bi-o.no Logo

Based on looking at the Bi-o.no website, it appears to be a platform focused on promoting sustainable food production, ecological awareness, and local food security.

The site emphasizes providing knowledge, technology, seeds, plants, livestock, fungi, and microorganisms to help individuals establish their own food production systems.

This is a refreshing approach, especially in an era where self-sufficiency and understanding the origins of our food are becoming increasingly vital.

The mission aligns well with principles of responsible stewardship and community building, which are highly commendable.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

0.0

0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)

Excellent0%

Very good0%

Average0%

Poor0%

Terrible0%

There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.

Amazon.com: Check Amazon for Bi-o.no Reviews
Latest Discussions & Reviews:

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Table of Contents

Bi-o.no Review & First Look

Upon an initial review of Bi-o.no, it quickly becomes clear that this isn’t just another e-commerce site. It’s a hub for a movement.

The platform, originating from Norway, specifically Oslo, positions itself as a resource for fostering sustainable food production, emphasizing organic methods, localization, and social integration.

Their stated goal is to ensure that everyone who desires it has access to the tools and knowledge necessary to build their own production systems.

This is a significant undertaking, and their website reflects this ambition through various sections and blog posts detailing their efforts and research.

What Bi-o.no Is All About

Bi-o.no is fundamentally about food sovereignty and matsikkerhet food security, advocating for a shift towards a more resilient and localized food system. They are actively involved in research, product development, and knowledge dissemination. The site showcases their work on new garlic cultivars, their efforts to organize their online store, and their educational initiatives like the CULTON Foundation, an idealistic Norwegian-registered foundation aiming to be an info source for the world’s beneficial species. Acaiamedical.it Reviews

Navigating the Website

The website is laid out clearly, with sections for their online store, blog, and contact information.

Key links like “Vilkår for bruk” Terms of Use and “Personvernerklæring” Privacy Policy are easily accessible, indicating transparency.

They operate primarily as an online store, though local pickup is an option for certain postal codes in Oslo.

The inclusion of Vipps as a payment option is a testament to their local integration and ease of use for Norwegian customers.

First Impressions: A Mission-Driven Platform

My first impression is that Bi-o.no is deeply committed to its mission. It’s not just about selling products. Pestexterminators.co.za Reviews

It’s about educating and empowering individuals to take control of their food sources.

This aligns with many positive societal trends and provides a valuable service to those looking to lead a more self-sufficient and ecologically conscious lifestyle.

The detailed blog posts about garlic cultivation and genetic renewal further highlight their dedication to knowledge sharing.

Bi-o.no Features

Bi-o.no offers a range of features that go beyond a typical online store, emphasizing education, community, and practical tools for sustainable living.

Their offerings are geared towards empowering individuals to participate actively in local food production. Reliableitech.in Reviews

Educational Resources and Blog

The blog section “Blogg” is a central feature, providing in-depth articles on topics like:

New garlic cultivars from Maridalen: Detailing their selection process and new varieties.
Genetic renewal of garlic: Exploring methods for seed propagation to enhance genetic diversity.
CULTON Foundation: An initiative to create a comprehensive information source for beneficial species globally.

This content is valuable for anyone interested in permaculture, sustainable agriculture, or simply growing their own food.

It demonstrates their commitment to sharing expertise.

Online Store and Product Range

While the full product catalog isn’t immediately visible without navigating deeply, the site mentions:

Seeds and plants: Crucial for starting any food production system.
Livestock: Suggests a holistic approach to sustainable farming.
Fungi and microorganisms: Highlighting the importance of soil health and microbial life.

The mention of “Nye produkter og opprydding i nettbutikken” New products and store cleanup indicates active management and expansion of their offerings. Wholesale.thebrandcollector.com Reviews

They also allow registration for notifications on out-of-stock products, which is a useful customer service feature.

Community and Networking

Bi-o.no explicitly states they are part of the Transition Network, which is a global movement focused on building resilient communities in response to climate change and resource depletion. This affiliation underscores their commitment to broader ecological and social goals, suggesting that they are part of a larger network of like-minded individuals and organizations. While the direct community features aren’t front and center on the homepage, their philosophy suggests an underlying community-oriented approach.

Local Integration and Accessibility

Local pickup option: For customers in specific Oslo postal codes 0890 and 0891, offering a convenient alternative to shipping and fostering local interaction.
Vipps and card payments: Seamless integration with popular Norwegian payment methods, making transactions easy for local customers.
Physical office location: Sørbråtveien 27, 0891 OSLO, Norway, with specific office hours, although visits are by appointment only. This adds a layer of legitimacy and physical presence.

Bi-o.no Pros & Cons

When evaluating Bi-o.no, it’s helpful to look at both the strengths that make it a valuable resource and any areas where it might be less clear or could improve.

Pros

Strong Mission and Vision: Bi-o.no’s core focus on sustainable, local, and ecologically conscious food production is highly commendable. Their commitment to food security and sovereignty aligns with crucial global challenges and offers a path towards greater self-reliance.
Educational Depth: The blog articles are informative and detailed, providing valuable insights into specific agricultural practices like garlic cultivation and broader initiatives like the CULTON Foundation. This positions them as more than just a retailer. they are a knowledge hub.
Holistic Approach: Their mention of offering knowledge, technology, seeds, plants, livestock, fungi, and microorganisms indicates a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to build a robust food system.
Community Integration: Being part of the Transition Network speaks volumes about their commitment to building resilient, local communities and addressing broader environmental concerns.
Transparency and Accessibility: Easy access to Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and clear contact information builds trust. The local pickup option and common Norwegian payment methods Vipps enhance convenience for their target audience.
Focus on Beneficial Species: The CULTON Foundation’s goal to become a global information source for “verdens nyttearter” the world’s beneficial species is a forward-thinking initiative that could have significant positive impacts on biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

Cons

Limited English Content: The website is predominantly in Norwegian. While understandable given their base in Oslo, this significantly limits accessibility for a global audience who might otherwise benefit from their knowledge and products. An English translation option would greatly expand their reach.
Product Visibility: While the site describes what they offer in general terms, a clear, easily browsable product catalog from the homepage would be beneficial for new visitors. The current structure requires some navigation to understand the full scope of their inventory.
Appointment-Only Visits: While having a physical presence is good, the “Kun etter avtale” Only by appointment for visits might deter some who prefer a more open-door policy for physical interaction or product viewing. This is a minor point, as they primarily operate online.
Lack of Public Reviews/Testimonials: The homepage doesn’t prominently feature customer reviews or testimonials. While a mission-driven organization might not rely heavily on these, they can build additional trust and social proof for potential new users or buyers.
Pricing Information: Without navigating deeply into the store, specific pricing models or a general price range for their products aren’t immediately clear on the homepage, which might be a barrier for initial browsing.

Bi-o.no Alternatives

For those interested in sustainable living, local food production, and ecological initiatives, there are numerous organizations and platforms that share a similar ethos to Bi-o.no.

These alternatives often focus on different aspects of the same broad goals, providing diverse resources depending on your specific needs. Techanator.com Reviews

Local Community Gardens and Food Co-ops

Description: Many cities and towns have community gardens where individuals can rent plots to grow their own food, or food cooperatives that offer bulk purchasing of locally sourced, organic produce.
Why they are alternatives: These initiatives directly foster local food security, reduce food miles, and build community, aligning perfectly with Bi-o.no’s principles of local and social integration.
Benefits: Direct access to fresh produce, learning from experienced gardeners, reducing grocery bills, and building social connections.

Permaculture and Regenerative Agriculture Resources

Description: Websites, online courses, and local workshops dedicated to permaculture design and regenerative agriculture practices. Examples include Permaculture Research Institute, Geoff Lawton’s various projects, and local permaculture associations.
Why they are alternatives: These platforms provide the knowledge base for creating sustainable food systems, from soil health to water management, which is a core offering of Bi-o.no.

Seed Banks and Heritage Seed Companies

Description: Organizations focused on preserving genetic diversity by collecting, storing, and distributing open-pollinated, heirloom seeds. Examples include Seed Savers Exchange US, various national seed banks, and smaller, independent heritage seed companies.
Why they are alternatives: Bi-o.no emphasizes access to seeds and plants. These alternatives specialize in this area, often with a focus on rare or regionally adapted varieties.
Benefits: Access to a wide variety of non-GMO, open-pollinated seeds, support for biodiversity, and the ability to save your own seeds for future plantings.

Sustainable Livestock and Agroforestry Networks

Description: Groups and resources dedicated to ethical and sustainable livestock management, integrated farming systems like agroforestry, and silvopasture.
Why they are alternatives: Bi-o.no mentions livestock. These alternatives provide specialized knowledge and resources for incorporating animals into a sustainable farm or garden.
Benefits: Learning about humane animal husbandry, creating integrated systems that benefit both crops and animals, and promoting ecological balance.

Local “Buy Local” Initiatives and Farmer’s Markets

Description: Platforms and events that connect consumers directly with local farmers and producers. This includes farmer’s markets, Community Supported Agriculture CSA programs, and online local food directories.
Why they are alternatives: While not directly focused on enabling self-production, these initiatives support the local food economy and help consumers make sustainable choices, aligning with Bi-o.no’s emphasis on local food.
Benefits: Fresh, seasonal produce, supporting local economies, reducing carbon footprint, and building relationships with food producers.

Bi-o.no Pricing

Based on the information available on the Bi-o.no homepage, specific pricing details for individual products or services are not prominently displayed. The website functions primarily as an online store “nettbutikken”, which implies that product prices would be listed once you navigate into the store’s various categories.

General Observations on Pricing Model

Product-Based Pricing: As an e-commerce platform selling items like seeds, plants, potentially livestock, fungi, and micro-organisms, it’s highly probable that their pricing follows a standard retail model. Each item would have an individual price listed on its respective product page.
No Subscription Model Indicated: There is no overt indication of a subscription service for accessing content or products. Their blog content seems freely accessible, serving as an educational resource and a way to promote their mission.
Payment Methods: They explicitly state “Betal med Vipps eller kort via Vipps Checkout,” indicating standard payment processing for one-time purchases. This further supports a product-by-product pricing model rather than a recurring subscription.
Shipping Costs: While not explicitly detailed on the homepage, like any online store, shipping costs would likely be an additional factor, possibly calculated at checkout based on order size, weight, and destination. The mention of “Levering av planter” Delivery of plants suggests specific considerations for live goods.

How to Find Pricing Information

To ascertain the actual pricing for Bi-o.no’s offerings, one would need to:

Navigate to the “Nettbutikken” Online Store section: This is where their products are listed.
Browse specific product categories or use the search function: Each product listing would typically include its price.
Add items to a cart: Often, online stores will show an estimated total, including potential shipping, before final checkout.

Given their mission-driven approach to sustainable food production, it’s reasonable to expect their pricing to be competitive within the niche market of organic and specialized agricultural inputs.

They are likely catering to individuals and small-scale farmers who value quality, sustainability, and potentially rare or specific cultivars.

How to Cancel Bi-o.no Subscription Not Applicable

Based on a thorough review of the Bi-o.no website, there is no indication that Bi-o.no offers any form of subscription service for its products or content. The platform operates as an online store “nettbutikken” where customers make one-time purchases of seeds, plants, or other related items. Bitaccess.co Reviews

Therefore, the concept of “canceling a Bi-o.no subscription” is not applicable to their business model as presented on their homepage.

What This Means for Customers:

No Recurring Charges: You will not be charged on a recurring basis for products or access to content. Purchases are transactional.
One-Time Payments: All payments made on Bi-o.no are for specific products at the time of purchase.
No Membership Fees: There’s no mention of any membership fees or tiered access levels that would require cancellation.

If You Are Concerned About Future Payments:

If you have made a purchase and are concerned about any unexpected charges, you should:

Review your purchase history: Log into your Bi-o.no account if you created one to see a record of your past orders.
Check your bank or credit card statements: Look for any recurring charges that do not correspond to a direct, one-time purchase you initiated.
Contact Bi-o.no Customer Service: For any billing inquiries or concerns, reach out to their customer service directly. They provide contact information on their website, including email for “Kundeservice Nettbutikken” Customer Service Online Store and “Generelle henvendelser” General inquiries.

Email: Use the relevant email address listed on their contact page.
Office Hours: They list office hours Mandag – fredag 0900-1700, Lørdag 0900-1500, which might imply phone support, although a direct phone number isn’t immediately visible on the homepage. Email is likely the primary method for customer service.

In summary, as Bi-o.no operates purely as a retail store for physical products, there are no subscriptions to cancel.

How to Cancel Bi-o.no Free Trial Not Applicable

Based on the information presented on the Bi-o.no website, there is no indication of any free trial offerings for products, services, or content. The platform operates primarily as an online retail store for sustainable agriculture products and as a free resource for educational content through its blog.

Therefore, the concept of “canceling a Bi-o.no free trial” is not relevant to their current operational model. Olura.us Reviews

What This Means:

No Trial Periods: You won’t encounter trial periods for accessing features, premium content, or product samples that would automatically convert into a paid service.
Direct Purchases: All transactions involve direct purchases of physical goods from their online store.
Free Content Access: Their blog articles and information regarding the CULTON Foundation appear to be freely accessible to anyone visiting the site, without any requirement for registration or a trial.

If You Are Concerned About Unintended Access or Charges:

If you believe you might have signed up for something or are seeing unexpected charges, it’s crucial to:

Verify the source of the charge: Double-check your bank statements or payment method history to confirm the merchant and nature of any transactions. Sometimes, similar-sounding names can lead to confusion.
Review Bi-o.no’s terms of use: While a free trial isn’t mentioned, familiarizing yourself with their “Vilkår for bruk” Terms of Use can provide clarity on their operational policies.
Contact Bi-o.no Customer Service: If you have any specific concerns about a transaction or believe there’s been a misunderstanding, reach out to their official customer support. They provide specific email addresses for “Kundeservice Nettbutikken” Online Store Customer Service and “Generelle henvendelser” General inquiries.

In essence, Bi-o.no’s model does not involve free trials, so there is no trial to cancel.

Their value proposition lies in the direct sale of physical products and the free dissemination of knowledge related to sustainable food production.

Bi-o.no vs. Competitors

When evaluating Bi-o.no against its competitors, it’s important to understand that its unique value proposition lies not just in selling products, but in its deep commitment to education, sustainable practices, and community building around food sovereignty.

Direct competitors would be other online nurseries or agricultural suppliers, but Bi-o.no differentiates itself through its mission-driven approach. Graffitibible.com Reviews

Bi-o.no’s Core Strengths in the Market:

Mission-Driven Focus: Unlike many commercial nurseries, Bi-o.no explicitly states its aim to foster future sustainable food production, emphasizing ecology, localization, and social integration. This appeals to a niche market deeply committed to these values.
Knowledge Hub: Their detailed blog content on topics like garlic cultivation and the CULTON Foundation sets them apart from simple retailers. They are selling knowledge and a philosophy, not just products.
Niche Specialization: Their focus on specific areas like new garlic cultivars suggests a dedication to research and development within certain agricultural niches, potentially offering unique varieties not easily found elsewhere.
Local & Regional Relevance: Being based in Oslo, with local pickup options and Vipps payment, they are highly attuned to the Norwegian market, which can be a competitive advantage for local customers seeking regionally adapted solutions.
Community Integration Transition Network: Their affiliation with the Transition Network highlights a commitment to broader social and environmental movements, resonating with customers who prioritize ethical business practices and community resilience.

Typical Competitors and How Bi-o.no Compares:

1. General Online Nurseries & Seed Retailers e.g., reputable garden supply stores, large seed companies

How they compare: These often offer a much wider array of general garden seeds, plants, and supplies, catering to a broad gardening public. They typically prioritize convenience and volume.
Bi-o.no’s Edge: Bi-o.no likely offers more specialized, organically focused, and locally adapted varieties relevant to sustainable food systems. Their educational content is far more extensive and mission-aligned than what you’d find on a typical commercial seed site. They don’t just sell. they educate and advocate.
Where competitors might win: Broader selection, more competitive pricing on common items, faster shipping infrastructure, and more comprehensive customer review systems.

2. Organic & Heirloom Seed Companies e.g., Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Seed Savers Exchange

How they compare: These are closer to Bi-o.no in philosophy, focusing on open-pollinated, non-GMO, and often organic seeds. They also tend to have a strong emphasis on biodiversity.
Bi-o.no’s Edge: Bi-o.no distinguishes itself with its explicit focus on “matsikkerhet” food security and “matsuverenitet” food sovereignty, its deeper dive into specific local research like their garlic cultivares, and its direct involvement in the Transition Network. They are selling a system and a movement more than just seeds. Their CULTON Foundation initiative is also a unique differentiator aimed at broader ecological data sharing.
Where competitors might win: Greater international shipping capabilities, larger selection of heirloom varieties from different regions, and potentially more established brand recognition among the wider gardening community.

3. Permaculture Design Consultancies & Educational Platforms

How they compare: These focus purely on education and design services for sustainable land use, often without selling physical products.
Bi-o.no’s Edge: Bi-o.no bridges the gap between education and product supply. They offer the knowledge and the physical inputs seeds, plants, etc. required to implement sustainable systems, making them a more integrated solution for hands-on practitioners.
Where competitors might win: Deeper theoretical courses, personalized design services, and a broader network of permaculture practitioners.

In conclusion, Bi-o.no carves out a distinct niche by being a mission-driven online store and educational platform dedicated to fostering food sovereignty through sustainable, localized, and ecologically conscious practices. While it might not compete on sheer volume or lowest price with large commercial retailers, its strength lies in its specialized offerings, educational depth, and strong ethical foundation, making it a valuable resource for a specific, conscious consumer base in Norway and potentially beyond, should they expand their language offerings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bi-o.no?

Bi-o.no is a Norwegian online platform focused on promoting sustainable, local, and ecologically conscious food production.

It aims to provide knowledge, technology, seeds, plants, and other resources to help individuals build their own food production systems.

What kind of products does Bi-o.no sell?

Bi-o.no sells products primarily related to sustainable food production, including seeds, plants, potentially livestock, fungi, and microorganisms, all aimed at supporting self-sufficiency and ecological farming.

Is Bi-o.no an international company?

Bi-o.no is based in Oslo, Norway. Highlandoutdoors.co.uk Reviews

While their mission has global implications, their website content is predominantly in Norwegian, and payment options like Vipps are specific to Norway, suggesting a primary focus on the Norwegian market.

Does Bi-o.no offer organic products?

Yes, Bi-o.no emphasizes “økologibevisst” ecology-conscious practices and sustainable methods, indicating a strong focus on organic and environmentally friendly products and approaches.

How can I buy from Bi-o.no?

You can buy from Bi-o.no through their online store “nettbutikken”. They accept payments via Vipps or card via Vipps Checkout.

Can I visit Bi-o.no’s physical location?

Bi-o.no has an office in Oslo, Norway.

However, visits are “Kun etter avtale” Only by appointment, as they primarily sell through their online store. Qrsdesignflex.com Reviews

Does Bi-o.no offer local pickup?

Yes, customers with postal codes 0890 and 0891 in Oslo can choose local pickup for their orders.

What is the CULTON Foundation mentioned on Bi-o.no?

The CULTON Foundation is an idealistic Norwegian-registered foundation launched by Bi-O, intended to be a global information source for the world’s beneficial species “verdens nyttearter”.

Does Bi-o.no have a blog?

Yes, Bi-o.no features a blog section “Blogg” where they share articles and updates on topics related to sustainable agriculture, research, and their initiatives.

Is Bi-o.no part of a larger network?

Yes, Bi-o.no states that they have been part of the Transition Network since October 2021, which is a global movement for building resilient communities.

Does Bi-o.no offer subscriptions?

No, based on the information on their website, Bi-o.no does not offer any subscription services for products or content. Purchases are one-time transactions. Benibeca.com Reviews

Are there any free trials available on Bi-o.no?

No, there is no indication on the Bi-o.no website of any free trial offerings for their products or services.

How do I contact Bi-o.no customer service?

You can contact Bi-o.no customer service via email.

They provide specific email addresses for “Kundeservice Nettbutikken” Online Store Customer Service and “Generelle henvendelser” General inquiries on their contact page.

What are Bi-o.no’s office hours?

Bi-o.no’s office hours are Monday to Friday from 09:00-17:00 and Saturday from 09:00-15:00. They are closed on Sundays.

Does Bi-o.no provide information on specific plant cultivation?

Yes, their blog includes articles on specific topics like “Nye hvitløk-kultivarer fra Maridalen” New garlic cultivars from Maridalen and “Lure hvitløken til genetisk fornyelse ved å sette frø” Tricking garlic into genetic renewal by setting seeds. Peclights.com Reviews

What is Bi-o.no’s stance on food security?

Bi-o.no explicitly states that it works towards “matsikkerhet og matsuverenitet” food security and food sovereignty, aiming to contribute to everyone having access to knowledge and resources for building their own food production systems.

Can I get notifications for out-of-stock products on Bi-o.no?

Yes, you can register to receive notifications for products that are currently out of stock. This option is available on the product pages.

Does Bi-o.no sell livestock?

Yes, Bi-o.no mentions that they want to contribute to people having access to knowledge, technology, seeds, plants, husdyr livestock, fungi, and microorganisms for building their own production systems.

What are Bi-o.no’s terms of use?

Bi-o.no provides a link to their “Vilkår for bruk” Terms of Use on their website, where you can find detailed information about their service policies and conditions.

What is Bi-o.no’s focus on future food production?

Bi-o.no’s vision for future sustainable food production is described as “økologibevisst, mest mulig lokal og sosialt integrert” ecology-conscious, as local as possible, and socially integrated. Harkiaaccountantslondon.com Reviews

Bi-o.no Reviews