Wirral organic farmer shocked by negative reaction as shop switches to local produce

Aug 13 2008 by Matt Hurst, Heswall News

AN AWARD-WINNING organic farmer says he is “amazed” at the negative response since changing the emphasis of his shop from “organic” to “local” produce.

Steve Ledsham, who owns and runs Church Farm in Thurstaston, estimates he has lost more than 200 customers since announcing his desire to forego well-travelled organic food for vegetables, fruit and meat sourced within a 25-mile radius.

The former firefighter continues to grow organic food and carries a wide range of organic produce, but says he will no longer prioritise organic items that have travelled thousands of miles, preferring to back local farmers.

Steve told the News: “It’s ridiculous.

“We’re growing organic produce and that hasn’t changed, but we’re trying to buy within a 25-mile radius.

“What’s the point of bringing in organic stuff from the other side of the world?

“It’s not fresh any way.

“We’re just amazed at the negative response, with the price of fuel and the cost of everything.

“It makes sense and every farmer should be doing something to support local farms and not encouraging things to travel from afar.”

Wirral Green Party’s Patrick Cleary is behind the scheme to transform West Kirby into the North’s first Transition Town.

The idea has developed as a local way to address the global challenges posed by peak oil and make the transition from reliance on fossil fuels to a more sustainable way of living.

Patrick Cleary said: “It surprises me.

“I know some people might be totally committed to organic food but most people aren’t like that and recognise that there are pros and cons.

“What Church Farm is doing is totally sensible and in tune with the times.

“People are recognising, with higher fuel prices, that we have to localise a lot more things.”

Steve sees the move as an extension of the philosophy first embraced when he began the business, and is making in-roads with local suppliers to provide high quality, fresh and seasonal produce.

He added: “All we’re saying is, if we can’t get organic we’re going to buy local within a 25-mile radius.

“It’s fresher and we’re supporting local farmers.

“The organic ethos has not been lost.”