Winner: Slipperfield Croft
Since establishing a small hill farm in 2010 near West Linton, they have grown a sustainable and profitable operation playing to the many strengths of native breeds (Hebridean sheep & Tamworth pigs).
By supporting, trading, and helping to organise the local market for 10 years they have seen it grow to one of the largest in the Borders and this has encouraged other similar enterprises to start up.
To them, it’s more than a market stall, it’s about providing an opportunity for customers to meet the farmer, to educate and raise awareness of native breeds, and to chat about a fantastic product that is sustainably and locally produced.
They have taken their stall to a number of food festivals, including Biggar Taste and the Small Holders Festival in Forfar, providing an opportunity to share knowledge and experience with other producers and smallholders. It is always well received.
Overall, it is as much about education and raising awareness as about selling high quality, environmentally sustainable produce.
www.slipperfieldcroft.co.uk