Lawyer takes on role at pioneering organic farm
Published September 2009
A Shropshire agricultural lawyer is to give his time as legal adviser to the Fordhall Community Land Initiative at Market Drayton to enable it to increase revenue and further develop the ideals of organic food production.
Tom Devey, an assistant solicitor in the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Division of MFG Solicitors, will help the board to launch a number of new attractions and educational facilities aimed at doubling the number of visitors from the current 6,000 a year.
These will be designed to underline the binding links between people and farming and will include student residential accommodation, classrooms for visiting schools and catering facilities for members of the public.
The Initiative is a unique Industrial and Provident Society with charitable status, owned by more than 8,000 shareholders across the world. It is seen as a leading international centre of the organic food revolution.
Tom Devey said: “It aims to re-connect people to food, the environment and most importantly farming.
“There are regular volunteer weekends, events, school visits, nature trail and picnic area access. Visitors enjoy the atmosphere of a working farm where there are Hereford beef cattle, Gloucester old spot pigs and Suffolk sheep.
“There are plans to establish tea rooms serving local and organic food, a bunk house for visiting students and a classroom as well as upgrading the existing farm shop.
“I feel privileged to be part of this initiative and to help the board achieve its objectives as a successful enterprise – while at the same time promoting ideals that are vital for future sustainability.”
The society owns Fordhall Farm but the Hollins family have farmed it for two generations as tenants – the founder Arthur Hollins took over the tenancy in 1929.
Arthur’s daughter Charlotte Hollins, who farms Fordhall with her brother Ben, said: “We are immensely grateful to Tom Devey for giving us his time and we are already benefiting from his enthusiastic support.
“There is much to be done to achieve financial objectives – raising income through trading, events, school visits, subscriptions and grants. One of our first tasks is the renovation of buildings to enable us to cope with twice as many visitors.”
