Farm conservation body Suffolk FWAG, which held its annual ceremony on 8th November, singled out two farmers their “outstanding” encouragement of wildlife and for running sustainable businesses.
The winner of the Peewit Award was Lodge Farm Freston run by Oliver, a co-owner at Suffolk Food Hall. Suffolk FWAG commended him for “outstanding environmentally conscious farming practices and management of the supply chain.”
At the ceremony, Oliver outlined his approach to various schemes such co-developing the Sustainable Farming Incentive during the pilot project and the opportunities to layer agri-environment initiatives and public engagement onto commercial activities.
“Of particular interest is how the relationship between the Suffolk Food Hall butchers and the chefs was cultivated to stop product going to waste while also ensuring that the cattle on farm are healthy, happy and profitable,” said Suffolk FWAG chief executive Anna Beames.
“It was a pleasure to see the wildlife on the farm and hear how his practices are helping the wellbeing of man and beast on farm and in the community.”
Anna added that the farmers “secure high value public goods on which we depend – including biodiversity and carbon budgets”. “This is the business of environmental agriculture,” she said.
The other winner was Scarff Farm and Burnt House Vineyard of Combs, near Stowmarket, which also supplies the Food Hall an award-winning range of wines.
Oliver Paul receiving the Peewit Award from Jeanette Dennis of Ashtons Legal (Image: Sarah Kilshaw Photography)
