You may not be aware but this week has been Ukrainian Week in London, a major initiative launched by Bate Toms, Chairman of the British-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (BUCC), and Yuriy Kosyuk, founder and Chairman of MHP, an agricultural company listed on the London Stock Exchange. As part of the week I attended a business event at the Savoy (Tuesday) organised by the Finanical … Continue reading An Insight to Ukrainian Agriculture, present and future
Episode 23 of Meet the Farmers features Suffolk pig farmer Mark Hayward of Dingley Dell Pork. Mark and his brother Paul are third generation farmers, growing arable crops and producing pork for their 'Dingley Dell' brand which they started 15 years ago. The company now exports to several countries across the world as well as … Continue reading ‘Meet the Farmers’ – episode 23 – Mark Hayward
It hasn't been a great afternoon. If you live in my part of the world you will know that it has been wet and windy, not very pleasant if there is outdoors work to be done. The lambs are just a few weeks from being 'finished' (sent off to market) but for the moment they … Continue reading Winter is coming, and I’m in need of some positive farming news
First-time buyers often perceive that properties in the countryside are only within reach of the very rich, and their only chance for affordable housing is to head to the city. Well, shared ownership could change all that. In recent years, the cry from those who have lived in rural areas is that they are often … Continue reading Opening Doors to Shared Ownership in the Countryside
It's easy to get bogged down with Brexit, confused over party conferences or concerned about other global events at the moment, but when it comes down to it, as individuals, few things should be more important to us than our physical and mental wellbeing. Yet, how many of us push it to the brink or … Continue reading Applauding the Fit2Farm Campaign
Episode 22 features George Young, an arable farmer based in south Essex. George worked in banking before returning to his family's farm in his late twenties. He has an eye for doing something that's a bit different and is currently growing buckwheat and lentils, among other projects. He also thinks that farmers should be thankful … Continue reading ‘Meet the Farmers’ episode 22 – George Young
Last week I visited Mark Hayward, a farmer in Suffolk who runs Dingley Dell Pork (watch this space for an upcoming podcast episode). I was particularly impressed by him and brother's drive and determination to improve the abundance of wildlife on their farm in real terms; ie not just engaging with Natural England led schemes but … Continue reading Does the Agriculture Bill actually mean anything?
When it comes to reducing energy use and increasing sustainability, the bedroom is often forgotten. Even though you spend a third of your life in this one room, you’re usually unconscious. Out of sight out of mind, right? However, you can continue your efforts to reduce waste and make sustainable purchases. 1. Adjust the Thermostat … Continue reading What You Can Do to Reduce Energy Waste (and Increase Sustainability) in Your Bedroom – guest post by Amy Highland
As reported here last year, farming is set to take a major hit with Brexit. Nearly a year later, that assessment by former UK representative to the European Union Ivan Rogers is proving to be on-point. Now, industry leaders need to come up with measures to alleviate the problems besetting the agriculture sector, such as the … Continue reading Robot Fruit Pickers Being Developed for Brexit
The Appropriate Technology movement, which was initially and intermittently called Intermediate Technology, was first described a half-century ago by British National Coal Board economist Dr. Ernst “Fritz” Schumacher. In a 1962 report to planning officials in India, Schumacher advocated taking steps to develop the country with an emphasis on labor, which India had in great … Continue reading The Appropriate Technology Movement – Guest Post by Norm Alioto
