The Farms

Shillingford Organics makes use of the produce of two organic farms in East Devon; Barton Farm in Shillingford Abbot (near Exeter) and only five miles away, Northwood Farm in Christow (in the Teigh Valley). Working together enables us to bring out the best of two very different farms and to offer a great variety of seasonal vegetables and herbs, freshly harvested and packed according to customer preferences.

The Benefits of Organic Farming

Growing organically is a strictly regulated way of producing crops without using artificial pesticides or fertilisers. Organic farmers must be certified with recognisable authorities who conduct checks on all their procedures. We believe that food grown organically is better for the health of people and the environment and, more importantly, is a sustainable method of food production. To find out more visit the website of our certification body, the Soil Association.

Barton Farm

(Please note the number shown on the sign has changed to 01392 832729)

Barton Farm is located on the outskirts of Shillingford Abbot, a small village just three miles west of Exeter. Set in a sheltered valley between Alphington and the Haldon hills, the 350 acre farm's rich Devon red soil is perfect for growing arable and horticultural crops and has been fully organic since 2002. Twenty acres, including four polytunnels, are dedicated to growing organic vegetables for the box scheme.

Martyn Bragg is the second generation of the family to farm here and has a young family of his own and wants them to grow up understanding where their food comes from knowing that it is produced without the use of artificial chemicals or fertilisers. 

The farm is in Defra's Countryside Stewardship scheme, which sets out environmental objectives to enhance and conserve wildlife in the area. Martyn also processes some of Exeter's greenwaste material, which is composted on the farm in giant 1000 tonne heaps, eventually becoming a valuable soil conditioner, adding humus and moisture retaining qualities to the characteristic sandy red soil.

The Barton is also home to the purpose renovated 'Barns' complex which houses the Shillingford Organics offices, Commercial Kitchens (currently in full use), Commercial Bakery a 25 seater Conference Room.

Click here for directions to Barton Farm

Northwood Farm

Northwood Farm is a smallholding of 30 acres set in the beautiful Teign valley on the edge of Dartmoor. Despite its proximity to the moor, the farm is protected from the worst of the weather and grows a wide variety of sheltered crops such as aubergines, cucumbers and peppers in poly tunnels, and a range of outdoor crops including carrots, leeks, sweetcorn and squash.

Tim and Jan Deane moved to the farm in 1984 and shortly afterwards started growing organic vegetables. By 1991 they had set up one of the first box schemes in the country supplying people in nearby local villages. This was the origin of Shillingford Organic vegetable box scheme today.

Tim and Jan have inspired many small organic farms from all over the country to set up their own box schemes and Tim is now working as a part-time advisor to the Soil Association.

 


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