Angela really enjoyed her visit to Whipley Manor Farm to see how brilliantly Adrian and Will have diversified their farm, with fantastic small businesses including a lovely cafe, Taurus Wines, a superb florist and farm deli.
he original animal feed and pet product business still remains and is flourishing, which is great news; the yard has a complete transformation and is now a great spot to stop, have a coffee or lunch and look around.
There are also continuing plans for expansion in the future. Farming isn't an easy industry and many farms have taken the decision to generate other incomes through letting space, selling produce directly and Whipley Manor is a great example of how to do this well.
Angela also met with members of the local National Farmers Union (NFU) and was really pleased to hear from them on their successes but also their concerns and where they felt that they could get more support. They discussed Environmental Land Management, The Rock Review, rural crime, the Surrey Hills AONB extension and seasonal labour issues.
The discussions were honest and constructive. Angela understands farmers often feel pressure on all sides - it is important that the reality of what they face is understood so that they are kept economically viable, achieve better food security and export their amazing produce to the world.