KEETCH VISITS PROJECT CARROT

3.00.00pm GMT Tue 8th Feb 2005

Visit to Project Carrot, Holme Lacy

Hereford's MP, Paul Keetch, found that something exciting is happening at the 224 hectare estate in Holme Lacy, which is run in partnership between the Pershore Group of Colleges and the Bulmer Foundation, when he paid a visit recently.

The Bulmer Foundation is an independent charity set up in 2001 with the aim of promoting sustainable development in Herefordshire. The Foundation, funded by Scottish and Newcastle plc, the owners of Bulmers, seeks to bring about more sustainable ways of living by creating and demonstrating new approaches to health, education, land management and commerce.

The farm, managed as a commercial business, has been successfully converted to an organic system over the past three years. An important part of this conversion was the establishment of the herd of pedigree Hereford cattle in 2001.

Commenting on the visit, Paul Keetch said, "It was refreshing to see this project and how it has developed, particularly with the inclusion of the Hereford cattle.

"The aim is to produce the very best beef in Britain - and what better way to do it than with Herefords? Grass fed beef tastes better and is better for you and the Hereford is one of the best of the traditional British breeds for doing the job.

"Visitors are able to see the farm and walk through the estate. It is a tourist attraction, a boost to the local economy, environmentally friendly and an educational facility combined. The organisers should be applauded for their efforts and vision - it's very impressive."

The prize-winning herd (second place in the National Hereford Herd competition) includes forty-four cows and a bull, they graze the historic Holme Lacy deer park and the Wye flood meadows producing pedigree heifers and bulls for sale and beef. Well-hung Hereford beef will be available for sale in the spring from Holme Lacy Estate Organic Produce. The farm is always open for visitors; there is a network of footpaths around the estate.

The next stage of the farm's development is the establishment of a Community Supported Agriculture Scheme. This is a partnership between farmers and the local community, where the responsibilities and rewards are shared. It enables consumers to get directly involved in the growing of the food they will eat and the natural environment of a farm with benefits to health, community and education.

Amongst other things the Community Supported Agriculture scheme will provide nutritious locally grown organic food and meaningful employment and education for students with learning disabilities.

A start has been made with 2 acres of land, which will be producing a range of vegetables from mid summer onwards.