Consumer choice is something that we’ve all come to know and expect when we’re doing our weekly shop. Long gone are the days of standing in line to be offered eggs from only one farm, a solitary brand of baked beans or – heaven forbid – just one variety of quinoa.
But with choice, comes inevitable confusion. Should our eggs be free range or organic? Should our baked beans be low-salt or sugar-free? And how should we even pronounce quinoa?Here at The Farm, we’ve always been pretty clear about our priorities: organic and local. Organic is non-negotiable for us; we believe it’s the only system that guarantees us and our customers the best stewardship of the land, protects nature and produces food as food should be. Local is also ingrained in our identity, and we’ve created an unrivalled network of local organic producers to bolster what we grow on our own fields. But it’s been said that today we dine at a global table, and indeed few of us can do without the spoils of an international food system. From our wake-up cup of coffee to our banana on the go, our afternoon tea (with one or two lumps) to the cocoa in that pick-me-up bar of chocolate, imports form an intrinsic part of our daily diet.
For us, the Fairtrade label – when paired with organic certification – gives us the assurance we need that our imports have been produced in a way that matches our values. It tells us that not only has the grower received a fair minimum price appropriate to the local market, they’ve also benefitted from a premium to invest as they see fit in business or community projects, and from standards independently checked to ensure the protection of workers’ rights and safety. For the smallholder farmers growing our food across oceans, we would expect nothing less than we do for the farmers we work with here on our own doorstep.
The Farm is part of a strong network of Fairtrade supporters in this corner of the country, where for six years the South West Fairtrade Business Awards have been championing all sorts of organisations that fly the flag for ethical trade and celebrating them annually as part of national Fairtrade Fortnight This year, once again, we’ll be submitting our application to the Awards so that we can join the ranks of local businesses who recognise that it’s their responsibility to ensure that, when it comes to consumer choice, Fairtrade is the only choice.
Danni Rochman
Adopt-a- Crop Programme Manager
Events
We’re an open farm and welcome visitors to our land. There are lots of opportunities to join us on the fields this spring.Ecowild mindfulness
Every Monday
Practice mindfulness outside in
nature with woodland skills and
crafts.
Spring foraging workshop
10 March
Explore the hedgerows, learning
what’s in season and good to eat
right now.
Indian plot to plate cookery day
17 March
Cook up an Indian feast in our yurt
kitchen with crops you’ve
harvested fresh from the fields.
Half-term farm and forest school
5 and 6 April
Let your kid’s get muddy with
pond-dipping, wood crafts and
farm and forest frolics!
Family foraging
21 April
Earthwise are joining forces with
expert forager, Martin Bailey for a
seasonal Pick and Cook Day on the
wild side! Available for ages 2-7
and 8-16 plus an accompanying
adult.
