A posting by business reporter Caroline Stocks:
It's hard not to feel enthusiastic about Devon dairy farmer Winston Reed is doing.
By realising the potential of the public's changing attitudes, he is developing his passion, adding value to his business and, with a bit of luck, saving the planet.
For those of you who haven't read about Winston this week's Farmers Weekly, he has set up Greener for Life, a company which hopes to add value to farm produce while at the same time providing funding for conservation projects.
Environment-conscious Winston is in talks with major supermarkets to allow him to put Greener for Life logo on a range of produce.
That produce will be sold at a premium, with Greener for Life accredited farmers receiving a portion, and the remaining cash going into a Green Fund which will award farmers grants to set up conservation schemes.
But the chance for farmers to make more money doesn't stop there.
Winston is keen for those grants to be used to set up 'green' community power stations, using farm waste and biodegradable waste from supermarkets and processors to produce energy which can be sold to the National Grid for further profit.
This could well be a chance for farmers to get their own version of Fair Trade. And while it took several years for the concept to capture the imagination of consumers, the timing of this scheme couldn't be any better.
Yes, there is a risk of consumers being overwhelmed by an ever-increasing product choice. But with interest in environmental issues, carbon footprints and local foods all near the top of the political agenda it's the perfect time to appeal to a public who are more environmentally conscious than ever before.
Too many farmers forget about their produce as soon as it leaves their farm gate.
If more farmers paid attention to the mindset of the people who buy their products, they would realise there are opportunities out there for them to appeal to more consumers and add value to their products.
If the enthusiasm of Winston and the supermarkets he is talking to is anything to go by, this really could be a big opportunity for farmers to make a difference, as well as make a bit of extra cash.
If the opportunity arises, make sure you don't pass up the chance to be a part of it.
Comments (1)
I have read the article in WMN re Tiverton's proposed energy centre and am interested to know more. In St Dennis where I live Cornwall County Council propose building a massive incinerator to deal with the whole of Cornwall's waste. We are dismayed as this will dominate our tiny village and no-one is listening to us. This is a poor area with high unemployment and it seems as if nobody cares. Your plans sound fantastic and a great alternative to a 240,000 ton mass burner.
Comment left on January 23, 2008 8:37 PM
Posted on January 23, 2008 20:37