M&S announces Scottish ‘Farming for the Future’ finalists at the Royal Highland Show

Marks & Spencer (M&S) has revealed the four finalists in this year’s ‘Farming for the Future’ awards, which will be presented on the first day of the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, on 20 June.

M&S Farming for the Future is a programme of initiatives designed to help farmers identify opportunities for improvement, increase their profitability and provide a sustainable supply chain that can continue to deliver quality and innovation for the long term. The awards celebrate suppliers working towards important M&S Plan A commitments, including becoming carbon neutral, sending no waste to landfill, extending sustainable sourcing, setting new standards in ethical trading, and helping customers and employees live a healthier lifestyle.

These producers have been shortlisted from the highest number of entries ever because of their achievements in environmental improvement, health and welfare, efficiency, investment and best practice. The Scottish finalists are:

· Steve Wallace from the Fife based farm, Easter Lathrisk. The 220 acre farm specialises in year-round vegetable supply, growing products such as sweetheart cabbages, iceberg lettuces, swedes, parsnips and carrots. Steve took over as manager of the farm, owned by the McIntyre family, 12 years ago and has since transformed it from a 100% summer cropping business to a year-round business employing up to 60 people in summer. The farm grows nectar rich flowers to encourage bees whose rarity is increasing, has introduced field margins to help prevent pollution to the River Eden and is one of a handful of farms in Scotland to have introduced a bio-bed to dispose of spray washings in the most environmentally friendly way. Steve’s investment in the farm, along with his high quality of produce, is what earned him his place in the final.

· Lindsay Harvey, a beef and lamb farmer operating the Quoydandy farm on the Orkney Islands. The Quoydandy farm has been in the Harvey family since 1928 and has been a part of the M&S Select Farm Scheme since its launch in 1996. The farm’s continued supply of high quality beef and lamb combined with the commitment to best practice as well as its environmental sustainability through an approved 20KW wind turbine, which will power the whole farm, makes Lindsay Harvey a rightful finalist.

· Father and son duo, Angus & Niall Jeffrey, from the Dunbar based Bielgrange farm. Their massive 1300 acre farm is split between hill and arable farmland. The Jeffreys specialise in producing high quality Aberdeen Angus beef from their 330 strong cattle herd. The farm consists of original farmland from the 1600s, along with the expansion of recently purchased 30 acres of neighbouring land. Their commitment to the future of farming is evident in their involvement with the M&S Sustainable Beef Club and Indicator Farm project.

· Steven Jack, from Dalcross in Inverness. Steven operates 495 acres of farmland in Morayshire & Inverness-shire and employs 40 staff. The farm focuses on delivering unique, fresh products and specialises in carrot and potato growing using strict protocols to ensure they are grown in the most healthy, environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner possible. Steven’s enthusiasm for innovation and new variety trials have helped create a niche in the produce market. Steve is dedicated to his staff and committed to proving there is a place for regional farm scale produce growers and suppliers.

Steve McLean, M&S Head of Agriculture, said: “The awards are in their sixth year and we are continually impressed by the commitment and dedication our suppliers have towards Plan A and sharing best practice among the farming community in Scotland. This year’s Royal Highland Show is definitely looking like it’s going to be memorable for all four finalists and, although it is all excellent news for M&S; it will undoubtedly be a very difficult decision for the judges.”