Exmoor's first Blueberry farm has begun their first harvest (From Smallholder)

Exmoor's first Blueberry farm has begun their first harvest

12:20pm Thursday 13th August 2009 in Smallholder news

- Celebrations hit by withdrawal of buyer and bank lending facilities - Exmoor’s first and only blueberry farm, Sharcott Farm in Exford, has begun picking its maiden harvest today. Sharcott Farm had been planning to produce the first Exmoor blueberries last year, but three late frosts destroyed the crop. This year the weather has been kind enough to enable a bumper crop of delicious British blueberries, but what should be an occasion for celebration has been overshadowed by the last minute withdrawal of the harvest’s main buyer, AMS-WellPict European (AMS). AMS has filed for administration and Sharcott Farm’s owners, Sarah and Simon Keily have been told that the firm will not now be able to take the crop it wanted many months ago.

Simon Keily says: “Test pickings have gone really well. Fifteen local shops and pub restaurants took early samples last week and sold out within hours. We have had orders for some of the harvest from all of the people who took samples but they are all small local businesses and will likely account for less than 20% of the 1.8 ton crop we expect to harvest between now and the end of September. The buyer had originally committed to most of the crop, so their not being able to follow through with the order and bring the berries to market is a real blow. We won’t find another buyer at this notice so we’re depending on shops, restaurants and the public buying from us direct. If we don’t succeed then much of the crop will go to waste and we will be fighting for the future of the farm.”

The Keily family have brought the crop to fruition despite considerable challenges. When the harvest failed in 2008 the bank refused to lend any further funds, leaving the family to manage with very limited resources. Sarah Kelly says: “It has been such a struggle, but we have got a magnificent crop and the reaction from local people, shops and pubs has been great. We will get through this too, we are going to focus on shops and restaurants across Devon and Somerset because we think there is demand for good, locally grown produce straight off the bush. Blueberries have been increasing in popularity rapidly in the UK as a proven ‘super food’, but, until now, people have had to rely largely on imports, and they lose taste and goodness in near direct relation to the air miles they travel. Some people in this part of the country won’t have had access to blueberries before and we think they are in for a treat.”

The blueberry season is short and only lasts seven weeks. Sharcott Farm’s blueberries are grown in the cleanest air and water in England, which enhances their taste and freshness, giving them a significant edge over imported fruits. Retailers and restaurants across the county can order these fresh, locally produced blueberries by calling Simon Keily on 01643 831520 or 07980 639567 or emailing simon@exmoorblueberries.co.uk. Members of the public who want to pick their own blueberries should phone Sharcott Farm in advance on 07980468 793 for directions and opening times.

Simon Keily says: “It is important that the UK becomes self sufficient in growing super foods to help reduce air miles and carbon footprint, as well as supporting independence. We are very proud to be the first producer of blueberries in Exmoor.”