Where are we?
Linscombe Farm is situated in a quiet valley in the heart of rural Mid Devon, 4 miles from the small market town of Crediton. Nestled in amongst the rolling hills typical of the area, nearly half of the farm is permanent grassland that is home to an incredible array of plants, animals, bugs and fungi. Some 30 of the farm’s 64 acres are currently used for the production of vegetables and the loamy soil seems to impart an exceptional flavour to whatever is grown in it. In 2002, we took out a long tenancy on an additional 80 acres a few miles from the farm and many of our vegetables are now produced on this. More recently in 2006 we purchased a further 120 acres of Red Devon soil on the boundary of the parishes of Upton Pyne and Newton St Cyres, just 4 miles from central Exeter. We shall be starting vegetable production here in 2008.
What do we do?
We aim to provide the best possible seasonal produce to local people who care about what they eat and where it comes from. We do not aim to compete with supermarkets by trading bought in, imported or exotic produce. If we can grow it we do and if we can’t, we don’t sell it. Perhaps uniquely, all the vegetables that we supply are grown by ourselves so you can be 100% confident in the origin of your vegetables. Linscombe Farm has been certified organic by the Soil Association for the last 12 years.
What we don’t do!
In the 12 years that Linscombe Farm has been producing vegetable boxes, we have never bought in vegetables for re-sale. We believe that “Local Food for Local People” should mean just that. We also aim to produce top quality food at a fair price and do not aim to compete with the supermarkets: there is plenty of “cheap” food available but we believe that this comes with a hidden price tag that is paid by the health of the consumer and the environment.
Who are we?
Linscombe Farm is run as a traditional family farming partnership with Mum (Helen) and Dad (Phil) ably assisted by three strapping sons - Tom (6 years old but impatient to be 15 so he can drive the tractor), David (considered a good bet to replace our accountant) and James (aiming at the sales and customer relations position) who are both 4. (We also directly employ 9 people to help us!).