Co-op Farms invests in 'pick-your-own'

Following increased demand for fresh produce from its visitors, The Co-operative Farms says it will revamp its pick-your-own site at Worth in Kent.

The site at Felderland Farm will plant new crops, including pumpkins at Halloween and sweetcorn and sunflowers, for the public to choose from.

“This investment in our pick your own site at Felderland Farm will offer a greater choice of fresh produce, as well as providing a plot for local schools to learn about farming and how fruit and vegetables are grown,' said trainee farmer Adam Robinson, who heads up the pick-your-own project.

A hectare of strawberries has also been replanted, with a section of plants being donated to local schools to help schoolchildren learn more about food and farming.

Robinson believes it is now key that all the major supermarkets encourage children to learn more about farming and the benefits of fresh produce.

He added: 'People of all ages are becoming increasingly interested in food and they want to know how it is grown and where it comes from, and you can’t get any fresher produce than locally sourced fruit and vegetables that you pick yourself.'

The Co-operative Farms held a free 'Family Fun Day' at the Worth-based site last weekend. Attracting over 1,200 visitors, the day allowed families to pick fruit, talk to local farmers and find out more about The Co-operative's Plan Bee environmental campaign, which was launched in a bid to protect the declining populations of Britain's honeybees.

The nine hectare pick-your-own site at Felderon Farm boasts an impressive selection of fruit during the summer. Vistors can choose from strawberries, raspberries, loganberries, cherries, blackcurrants and redcurrants.