Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, visited Essington Fruit Farm on Friday, touring the farm and discussing important issues that affect the running of a rural business.
Gavin was given a tour of the farm, viewing the crops that were about to be put on rotation. The farm was also getting ready for the launch of the annual Maize Maze where entrants have the chance to win tickets to this year’s pantomime at Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton.
The farm is been run by the Simkin family, who have farmed in Essington for over 110 years. They grow their own fruit and vegetables which are used in their café and are sold in the farm shop. Gavin also visited the kitchens and food preparation area to see the preparation of award winning pork pies and sausages.
The farm also has a 50-acre Pick Your Own site which grows around 30 different crops including raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. The farm is also well known for its wide selection of strawberries, many of which are not available in supermarkets.
Gavin spoke to workers on the farm discussing the farm industry and the challenges facing rural businesses. One issue that they are currently dealing with is fly-tipping. Gavin has previously campaigned for tougher sanctions for fly tippers in South Staffordshire as it causes untold damage to the land.
Commenting on his visit Gavin said: “I had a wonderful time at Essington Fruit Farm. I was especially impressed with the wide array of crops which they grown on site. The Pick Your Own site is so great to get young people more involved with learning where their food comes from and will hopefully encourage them to grow their own fruit and veg at home. It is so important we support buying local produce wherever we can. It means we have access to fresher, more nutritious food and it generates less packaging and less pollution in transport.
“I was concerned to hear about the problems surrounding fly-tipping that the farm has dealt with recently. This something that should not be tolerated and I will continue to push for tougher sentences so this vandalism will be stopped.”