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In December, out of the blue, we were very happily informed that Yeo Valley, in partnership with our landlord Luke Hasell, were to run a fundraiser for us. Hearing of our financial difficulties, Yeo Valley co-owners Tim and Sarah Mead generously agreed to support The Farm by choosing us as a recipient for one of their annual fundraisers where 100 guests were invited to be wined and dined.
The guests ranged from local chefs, community project leaders and researchers to friends, family and local residents simply keen to have an enjoyable evening centred around delicious food, with a side order of education in regenerative farming.
The food celebrated the cow from nose to tail, and showed off local, seasonal produce (purchased from The Community Farm of course!). Angela (our Chair) then shared the history of The Farm and all that we do to support organic food and farming, wildlife and our local community, before we finished the evening with an expectedly chaotic raffle draw, with prizes generously donated by local businesses.
Yeo Valley are leading a national project in organic regenerative farming (https://regenerative.yeovalley.co.uk/), working with their own farmers, and collaborating with others to research and share information on how we can farm in ways that protect our soil.
Last year, they also sponsored additional soil testing at The Community Farm to collect data on how our way of farming is helping to improve the soil. We believe that collecting data and monitoring our impact, providing evidence for the impacts of organic farming, is an important part of the movement. We may only be 13 acres, but small-scale farmers have to work together to provide information on our collective impact.
Nights like this are a fantastic way to engage people with regenerative organic farming; reminding people that fantastic food comes from the soil – we must restore it from the damage of industrial farming if we are to be able to continue to enjoy it.
And of course, the fundraising! Yeo Valley, The Story Group and other generous guests raised an absolutely amazing £10,805 for The Community Farm! We cannot say Thank You enough!
