Kent farmer donates entire orchard to London charity

A farmer from Kent has donated an entire orchard’s worth of produce to London-based charity The Felix Project, which will be distributing the fruit across the capital’s schools and communities that need it most.

Peter Hall, of HE Hall and Son in Marden, Kent, decided to donate his entire fruit crop to the cause after facing a challenging season last year.

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He explained: “So many fruit growers, both organic and conventional, are facing a perfect economic storm.

“Production, picking, storage and distribution costs have risen out of all proportion to what retail customers are prepared to pay for the fruit.”

“I could not bear to see this season’s fantastic crop simply drop on the ground and rot, so I invited The Felix Project to harvest what they could and use it to feed those struggling during these difficult times.”

© The Felix Project

So far since August, the charity has harvested 2,124kg of plums from the farm, which is the equivalent of 5,057 portions.

They are also currently harvesting up to 3t of Worcester eating apples a day, which equates to more than 7,000 meals.

They expect to collect between 15t and 18t in total, before they begin harvesting the pear crop, which is expected to yield up to 150t.

Richard Smith, head of food supply at The Felix Project, said: “We are thrilled with how much fruit we have already saved and the quality, size and flavour of the produce is amazing.

“We know many people are struggling to afford the basics, especially fruit and vegetables, at the moment.

“Having access to farms like this means we have an incredible supply and can ensure we can get as much fresh and delicious produce to the people that need it the most.”