The 66-acre Fens farm has been in the same family for over 100 years and is managed by fifth-generation grower Adam Clayton who converted to organic production and cultivates 50 different crops including lettuce, courgettes, cabbage and potatoes on the fertile land.
He supplies to wholesalers and sells directly at three London Farmers’ markets: Ealing, Notting Hill and Marylebone and one pub in the city. However, finding reliable drivers for the 120-mile trip south on Sundays is proving difficult.
Clayton is struggling financially and must raise £100,000 to plant crops for this season by the end of the month or the family business may be forced to shut. "The money would clear the outstanding debts and cover the costs for 2004," said Clayton. "It would help us get back on our feet."
In the last four years he has overcome numerous hurdles to stay in business: a fire in 2000 destroyed the farm's main shed and workshops, which have since been replaced by a dedicated organic packing area, cold store and a new farm workshop. Clayton’s father has had to turn over the farm’s management to his son due to illness. There have been problems with conversion to organic production which delayed planting by a crucial three months in 2001, halving yields that season. In 2002 problems with seed supply lead to lower than expected yields and the hot, dry summer of 2003 further reduced the farm’s already diminished output.
"I know there is demand for our produce," said Clayton. "But logistically it's difficult because I am doing everything myself. I work on the land, am trying to raise grant money and pitch for Defra funding as well as trying to expand our sales and distribution.
"I have contacted other London pubs who use organic ingredients in their kitchens - they are interested in my produce but I can't deliver the goods.
"My best produce is available in the summer, but I don't think we will make it."
