Breadcrumbs
Church Farm Organics scoops 2006 FARMA 'Eat the View' award - 15th November 2006
This special award, presented at FARMA's annual conference in Harrogate on 7-9 November, recognises outstanding environmental practice and consumer education.
Steve and Brenda Ledsham and their family run Church Farm Organics, a registered organic holding on the banks of the River Dee overlooking the welsh border.
They produce vegetables, lamb, pork, fruit, and herbs, which is sold through a farm shop, café, and box scheme, together with other quality local foods. Recycling, educational activities, school visits, and children’s parties take place throughout the year.
Mr Ledsham of Church Farm Organics said: "At Church Farm Organics we are passionate about farming and the contribution we are making to our countryside. We believe that making a living from the land should go hand in hand with care and consideration for the environment.
We are delighted to receive this award in recognition of the way in which we farm, how we sell the produce, and the recycling activities and educational experiences we provide.”
The award is sponsored by the Countryside Agency's ‘Eat the View’ initiative which works to help consumers understand the links between what they buy, how products are produced and the countryside, and to achieve more favourable market conditions for products that support local distinctiveness, landscape character, and sustainable land management.
James Petts, Eat the View project manager and one of the award judges said: "Church Farm Organics is an outstanding example of what can be achieved to reconnect people with food, farming, and the countryside. Its various activities allow shoppers, visitors, and children to learn where their food has come from, how it has been produced, and how this benefits the environment, local landscape and local community."
ENDS
Issued on behalf of the Landscape, Access and Recreation division of the Countryside Agency and National Farmers Retail and Markets Association (FARMA)
For further information or interviews contact the Countryside Agency press office on:
Beth Rose on 01242 533306 or 07900 608 052
Matthew Heard on 01242 533476 or 07900 608 168
- Notes to the editor:
The National Farmers’ Retail and Markets Association (FARMA) is the representative body in the UK for farm shops, farmers’ markets, and Pick Your Own. Other FARMA awards for 2006 include the Best Newcomer, Best Farmers’ Market, Best Farm Retailer, and a Community Spirit Award (see FARMA press release for full details).For more information on the awards contact: Rita Exner, Secretary, FARMA, 0845 458 8420 or rita@farmshopping.com - For more information on the The ‘Eat the View’ initiative of the Landscape, Access and Recreation (LAR) division of The Countryside Agency see http://www.countryside.gov.uk/LAR/Landscape/ETV/index.asp
- Church Farm Organics - See http://www.churchfarm.org.uk/. Steve and Brenda can be contacted on 0151 648 7838 or 0780 103 7483.
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Following publication of the draft Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill in February, English Nature, the Rural Development Service and the Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division are working towards integration as a single body: Natural England.
It will work for people, places and nature with responsibility for enhancing biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas; promoting access, recreation and public wellbeing, and contributing to the way natural resources are managed – so they can be enjoyed now and for future generations.
English Nature is the independent Government agency that champions the conservation of wildlife and geology throughout England.
The Rural Development Service is the largest deliverer of the England Rural Development Programme and a range of advisory and regulatory rural services.
With the administration of a multi-million pound grant budget for schemes which support land management, rural businesses and rural communities, the Rural Development Service is the single largest organisation working for the benefit of rural areas in England.
The Countryside Agency’s Landscape, Access and Recreation division aims to help everyone respect, protect and enjoy the countryside – protecting natural landscapes; and encouraging access to, enjoyment of and sustainable management and use of the countryside.
