A new year has presented Farm2Fork with an extraordinary opportunity to grow both the business and our regenerative practices.
We’re swapping the pastures of Greenway Farm, for an organic 237-acre farm, called Dalditch – part of the extensive Clinton Devon Estates.
Sitting between the Jurassic Coast at Budleigh Salterton in Devon and the Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve, our new home offers us the space to grow as a business.
Ollie took on the 125 acres of Greenway, a derelict dairy farm, nine years ago. He, together with partner Charlotte and his team of dedicated helpers, have created a thriving business which focuses on regenerative farming, practising a multi-species holistic planned rotational grazing model, working with the seasons and working in nature’s eye. Now the tenancy with Somerset County Council has come to a natural end with no chance for renewal, Ollie and Charlotte’s search for a suitable alternative led them to Dalditch.
The tenancy at Dalditch was hard fought, it was only the second time a farm had been let on the open market by the Estate in 25 years, and the application process was rigorous – more than 30 farmers applied for the opportunity, submitting a business plan and video, and enduring a stringent vetting process.
Farm2Fork was chosen over and above, thanks to our methods that continue to enhance the environment and the holistic way in which our animals are reared.
Clinton Devon Estates spans more than 25,000 acres and is rich in history. The Clinton family have owned and managed the land since 1550 with a vision to support and improve wildlife habitats and to create a more resilient environment, which is diverse and ecologically valuable. Growing thriving communities and supporting farming and food production are also key focuses for the Estate.
“We are really excited by this opportunity, to relocate and develop Farm2Fork at Dalditch Farm and Clinton Devon Estates. This move will enable us to expand our regenerative food and farming enterprises, whilst also offering us an opportunity to build a long-term, secure farming future within an estate whose vision for farming, community and the environment we wholeheartedly share.” Ollie White, Founder of Farm2Fork.
Dalditch was formerly home to an organic in-hand dairy operation and speaking after the tenancy was offered to Ollie, Clare James, Head of Residential, Land and Tourism at Clinton Devon Estates said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Ollie and his family to Dalditch Farm. His approach to farming demonstrates our 2030 Strategy goal for land to be ecologically healthy and productive. Ollie has shown through his business in Somerset that regenerative farming can produce nutrient-rich food whilst achieving high conservation standards, benefiting wildlife, landscape and the local community and we look forward to seeing his approach in practice at Dalditch Farm.”
Farm2Fork relishes the move to an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB), rich in wildlife and ecology. We will continue to work hand in hand with nature.
The farm will operate from Ilminster until April when we hope to make a seamless transition. Once the move is completed to Dalditch, the farm shop and collection point will no longer be open.
For all of our customers, mail order will continue just as it always has and we will, in due course, open a new shop and collection point at the new Dalditch Farm.
