MENTER MOCH CYMRU TAKES WELSH PORK PRODUCERS TO DEVON

Menter Moch Cymru (MMC) is giving pig producers the opportunity to learn from some of the most successful and innovative producers in the UK as part of a study tour to Devon later this month.

The three-day Devon study tour (March 28th-30th) includes visits to pork producers, processors, and retailers who have developed innovative market opportunities.

It is the first study tour undertaken by MMC since the advent of the Covid-19, and many of the guest speakers will share their experiences of operating in a pandemic and how being resilient and adaptive has enabled them to come out on top.

Devon has established itself as a popular food tourist destination within the UK, with its high-end farm shops and award-winning gastro pubs. 

The tour includes a visit to River Cottage, the organic smallholding established by chef, journalist and food campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall. The MMC group will enjoy a practical ‘Introduction to Charcuterie’ course delivered by leading artisan charcutier Steve Williams.

On the itinerary is a visit to award-winning farm and butcher Pipers Farm, which sources meat from small scale farmers across the West Country. The MMC group will also go to The Meat Box Company at Elston Farm, where they will see the UK’s first fully approved mobile abattoir and hear about the farm’s sustainability and research projects – particularly sivopasture, carbon trading and regenerative farming.

The study tour also takes in Ben’s Farm Shop, which comprises of Riverford Farm, four farm shops and a tapas bar. There, the group will get to sample local pork and hear Ben’s Farm Shop’ story from owner Harry Watson. Also speaking during the visit will be farmer Simon Price, who has more than 40 years-experience producing free-range pigs. Simon supplies a number of well-known as prestigious outlets and will share insights into his farming methods, his commitment to sustainable farming practices and the lessons he’s learnt along the way.

There is also a visit to Kenniford Farm, known for its award-winning higher welfare pork, online shop and successful catering and hog roast business.

During their stay in Devon, the group will meet and hear from John Sheaves, CEO of Taste of the West, the largest independent regional food group in the UK. Taste of the West runs an annual awards scheme and promotes and champions local products.

Melanie Cargill, Menter Moch Cymru Project Manager, said, “Spending time visiting other businesses can be a valuable way to discover improved methods of working.  It is an opportunity to see best practice in action and bring back fresh ideas to innovate your enterprise.

“Many of the pig producers in Devon share similar challenges to those in Wales. It is a region peppered with small pig units producing high-quality, traditional and rare breed pork.”

Previous MMC study tours have provided Welsh producers with ideas and practical advice which they have gone on to apply at their own farms.

Monmouthshire producer Kyle Holford of Forest Coalpit Farm who travelled to Cornwall with MMC on a previous study tour said, “The study tour was inspiring. It was good to see various examples and stages of pork production and supply chains. I gained many helpful tips and ideas that I will apply to my farm. I also made some great contacts with similarly minded farmers.”

Fellow previous tour member Mark Evans, said, “Main highlight was the interaction and discussion between the group members.All the visits were inspirational and gave much food for thought.I have many leads to follow subsequent to the discussions.”

The three-day study tour takes place between Monday 28^th – Wednesday 30^th March and is heavily subsidised by the MMC project; therefore, only costing £60 p/p. This includes 2 nights’ accommodation, transport, meals and all visits and talks.

Melanie Cargill added, “This is a fantastic opportunity for pig keepers in Wales to visit a host of knowledgeable and inspiring businesses. The event has been arranged with small-to-medium pig keepers in mind, who sell direct or through short supply chains. Although any stakeholders within the sector are very welcome to attend. The packed programme will certainly leave attendees with food for thought and practical ideas they could implement within their own businesses.”

Visit www.mentermochcymru.co.uk or phone 07494 478 652 for more information.

Established in 2017, Menter Moch Cymru is funded by the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.