Farm’s customers keep growing
A farm owner says he believes more people want to buy fresh food from local providers as they know where it has come from.
Richard Simkin, owner of Essington Farm, near Wolverhampton, said he had noticed a steady increase in people coming to the farm during lockdown.
The farm shop at Essington Farm was set up to ensure people could shop in a safe and socially distanced way, including limited entry for customers, protective screens and a one-way service around the shop.
Mr Simkin spoke about why he thought more and more people were coming to the farm.
He said: “I think there was a gradual shift even before lockdown as people wanted to know where the food was coming from and to have that confidence in its means of production.
“Since lockdown started, this has accelerated that belief as more people want to feel safe coming to a local place that they can trust.
“By doing so, they know they’re buying food which they know where it has been produced and know it hasn’t been halfway around the world through who knows how many hands.”
Trend
Essington Farm has been part of the community since 1892, with the farm shop having been open for more than 40 years.
Mr Simkin said the trend of people wanting fresh food from local farms had been triggered by the horse meat scandal, saying it had made people more aware of what they wanted.
He also spoke about the future of the farm and how their reputation has grown over the years.
He said: “We have picked up a lot of customers over the last few years through the food we produce and we hope they continue to stay with us.
“My message to people thinking of coming to us is be aware of what you’re eating and also support your local economy and small businesses.”
To find out more about Essington Farm, go to essingtonfarm.co.uk
