Sustainability
Committed to sustainability, the farm uses solar-powered facilities, modern cold stores, and holds certifications which include LEAF Marque, Red Tractor, Global GAP, GRASP, BRCGC and Soil association. Their organic production reflects a strong focus on environment and quality.
Environmental
James Foskett Farms take their environmental responsibilities very seriously and it is our policy to continually improve our growing systems and standards to meet our environmental and social responsibilities. Our farms have a commitment to wildlife and landscape conservation and enhancement. Nothing will be done that deliberately harms the environment and thought will be taken during all farming operations.
The existing wildlife habitats and landscape character has been assessed and evaluated and an overall farm plan has been prepared and implemented. The overall objective is to protect and encourage diversity of wildlife and respect and enhance the character of our farms in the Deben Valley.
There is SFI, CSS, SSSI, SPA and RAMSAR sites on the farm and 20 percent of our land is uncropped. Most of that area being down to Cricket Bat Willow production which is great for the environment and wildlife.
There are several ponds and irrigation reservoirs on the farm as well as reed beds which encourage a very diverse spread of species. Hedges, margins and some reeds are cut rotationally to give good cover during winter and for spring nesting sites, as well as leaving food sources when they are most needed in January and February.
Bees
We have bee hives on the farm, we work with a local beekeeper. Bees play an important part in supporting our organic crops at the farm in Bromeswell. Through their pollination they help the crop health whilst supporting bio-diversity across the farm and our work with nature.
Food waste
We work closely with local charities and City harvest. This year through city harvest we were able to provide 14.8 tonnes of vegetables which delivered 35,243 meals to charities feeding their communities. In turn this meant 10.2 tonnes of GHG Emissions were diverted by us rescuing food for human consumption.
Community
We work closely with local schools, providing them with support with their school gardens. Providing talks to students helps educate the younger generation on farming practices which in turn could create future opportunities.
We participate in ‘Tractors in schools’ week which is associated with the Suffolk Agricultural Society. We also support the school farm fair at the Suffolk Show Ground.
The farm runs Woodbridge Pumpkin patch (link), the patch provides valuable school trips to local schools and we donate a large amount of pumpkins, to local charities and care homes.
We also work with the countryside trust, UKS leading educational charity. Connecting children from areas of high social and economic disadvantage with the land.
Accreditations
