Could you start by telling us how the last few weeks have been for you?
Like many, the first few weeks were tough and took some getting used to. Shielding and shopping for elderly parents, planning on the farm and guessing what Christmas would look like was just impossible. As things settled down, it's become more ‘normal’ and so decisions have been slightly easier - and the parents are now are okay with online food shopping!
What positive steps have you taken to get through the lockdown?
We have had a really hard look at what works in terms of how we do things and how we can evolve as a farm and business. We have also had time to look at what we do to help the environment. As a result, we have plans to plant 500 trees in the autumn and have started work to create a new wildlife habitat.
Are there any innovations of which you are particularly proud?
We are proud of the moves we’ve taken, and are planning to take, to become even more environmentally friendly.
How have your customers been supporting you during this time?
During the lockdown, the support we have had has been amazing. We really have been overwhelmed by the support that has been shown – to the point where customers are keen to book their Christmas turkey early to give us confidence. It’s been amazing and we are very lucky to have such loyal customers.
Are there any special measures you’ll be bringing in once you re-open/get back to more normality?
Yes, in time for Christmas, subject to government advice, we will be looking at continuing delivering turkeys – and, of course, creating a social distancing way of collecting Christmas turkeys.
Why is it so important that people ‘Stay Loyal To Local’ going forward?
It’s about keeping farming going, and our country self-sustainable in food and resources. Surely, this pandemic has taught us that UK grown food is so important. Cheap food is a race to the bottom and often drives purchasing from abroad, where products often aren’t produced to the same standards as here. But, even better, local produce tastes better because it isn’t produced on a factory scale.
What’s the best way that our community can do that for now?
It’s simple really – we should all value food and local at what it’s really worth. Eat better-quality local and British food!
Tags: Stay Loyal to Local campaign
