At the fifth National Arable and Grassland Awards, Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer and Agronomist & Arable Farmer celebrate the brightest and best within the agricultural industry.
James Foskett heads up James Foskett Farms, covering more than 1,400ha primarily within the Deben Valley in Suffolk. Potatoes are the most important crop to the business, with onions, sugar beet, carrots, cereals and organic vegetables also playing a significant role in the turnover.
The company moved into organic production after seeing an opportunity in the market, and since then organic carrot business has developed substantially, which James says reflects the business’s commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation. The crop is grown in the light, free-draining soils near the Suffolk coast, benefiting from a microclimate that protects from spring frosts and summer heat. Bunches are hand-picked and washed on-site before going straight into the chiller, extending the shelf life and maintaining the visual appeal, while also reducing waste.
Sustainability is at the heart of the enterprise. Solar panels are used to power the cold stores, and the organic labelling means that no chemicals can be used during the growing season, so flame weeders are utilised to keep the crop clean. Covers are used at establishment, ensuring that the carrots get away quickly.
It’s also added to the financial sustainability of the business, now making up around 35% of the total organic produce turnover. Initially starting on a small scale, with just a three-week harvesting window, the season now runs from early May through to November. In 2014, the farm produced 300,000 bunches. It now delivers over 1.5m bunches, working with major retailers and box schemes. Showing that customers do want fresh, naturally shaped and coloured produce, James notes that sales increased by 50% after 2020, when rainbow and purple varieties were added to the range.
The organic production also includes several varieties of potatoes, marketed to packers supplying UK supermarkets, as well as box schemes. Butternut squashes are established with a cover of biodegradable mulch to warm the soil and smother weeds; green beans are drilled with a fleece cover and hand-picked before chilling; beetroot is also hand-picked and bunched; and the company also supplies sweetcorn and radish, with the latter sown in small batches to keep a year-round supply.
It complements the conventional crops, where James still focuses on sustainable growing practices. Independent agronomy advice is sought for the potatoes, and precision systems are used for irrigation and chemical applications. The business is part of the AHDB Strategic Potato Farm Programme for the East of the UK, holding trials and open days.
Cereals comprise hard wheats, winter barley and rye, while maize is grown for a local digester – producing gas and electricity into the national grid – and sugar beet is grown on contract for British Sugar.
The combination of organic and conventional produce, all grown with a keen eye on soil type, optimised movement between fields, stores and end customers, and a clear understanding of the changing markets makes James Foskett a clear choice for Crop Grower of the Year, indicating best practice across multiple crop types and management strategies.
The National Arable and Grassland Awards are organised by Farm Contractor & Large Scale Farmer and Agronomist & Arable Farmer, in association with BASIS, the National Association of Agricultural Contractors and the Voluntary Initiative.
Our thanks to our sponsors AHDB, QLF and principal sponsors Barclays and Propel Finance.