Meet Ollie White: The Passionate Farmer Behind Farm2Fork

Ollie White, a fourth-generation farmer, brings a wealth of experience and passion to Dalditch Farm. Raised on a dairy farm, his path in farming wasn't always clear. At just 8 years old, Ollie saw the family farm change direction when his father sold their cows in the early '90s, closing the door to any future opportunity for him to continue farming there. However, Ollie found a way to stay connected to the land by studying agricultural engineering, which allowed him to merge his love for farming with his interest in engineering.

In 2010, Ollie had the opportunity to rent 22 acres—the remnants of his family's old farm—and began raising geese, later expanding to cows and sheep while continuing to work full-time. To make the farm financially sustainable, he ventured into online retail, reaching customers directly, and thus, Farm2Fork was born.

In 2014, Ollie was awarded a Nuffield Farming Scholarship, a prestigious opportunity that allowed him to explore innovative farming practices around the world. He visited progressive farmers in Australia and the USA, gaining invaluable insights into producing and marketing grass-fed, organic, and regenerative meat and dairy. These experiences deepened his understanding of regenerative agriculture and solidified his commitment to farming in harmony with the environment while recognising the advantages of direct-to-consumer sales.

That same year, Ollie took on the lease for Greenway Farm, a 125-acre Somerset County Council farm in Ilminster. This move allowed him to leave his full-time job and fully immerse himself in his passion for farming. At Greenway Farm, he implemented a model that focused on nurturing the land, working with natural cycles, and creating a productive, multi-species regenerative livestock farm. He expanded his product sales through both his online shop, Farm2Fork, and an on-farm shop, pioneering a new approach in the UK.

After nearly a decade at Greenway Farm, Ollie moved to Dalditch Farm in 2023, securing a 15-year tenancy for the 221-acre property near Budleigh Salterton, Devon. This new lease provided increased acreage and greater security, allowing him to further grow Farm2Fork.

Since founding Farm2Fork, Ollie’s role has evolved significantly. Supported by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and interns—many from WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms)—the day-to-day animal care, farm chores, and order preparation are managed by his team. Ollie now focuses on overseeing the business operations, including planning, staff management, logistics, finances, sales, marketing, and customer service.

Ollie describes the most challenging aspect of farming as "the complexity—running a multi-species livestock farm and a retail business means wearing many hats and spinning many plates to keep everything running smoothly." Cash flow is another significant challenge, given the high upfront costs and delayed returns that are common in farming.

Ollie’s Vision for Farm2Fork

Ollie is committed to ensuring that Dalditch Farm thrives for years to come. His vision is clear: to connect people with the food they consume while producing exceptional meat and serving as a model for regenerative farming.

Future plans for Dalditch Farm include introducing pasture-raised pigs and egg-laying chickens, aiming for a diverse offering of beef, lamb, chicken, and pork. Ollie is also focused on enhancing the farm’s natural environment by increasing plant and habitat diversity, improving soil health, planting more hedgerows, and exploring agroforestry practices. These initiatives will create a richer habitat for wildlife, provide better shade and shelter for livestock, and accelerate soil carbon building.

Central to Ollie’s ethos is a commitment to land regeneration and animal welfare. He aims to raise public awareness through farm open days and introducing holiday stays, offering an educational and enjoyable way for people to learn about farming with nature and the importance of regenerative practices.

Ollie White’s journey back to farming has been marked by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability. He is excited to continue expanding Farm2Fork, connecting with consumers, and inspiring others to support and embrace regenerative farming practices.