
A huge proportion of the work we do here at the A H Warren Trust revolves around our farming activity. From our base at Coombe Farm we manage 2,000 acres of land that is certified organic by The Soil Association
We’re often asked what we mean by Organic, well put simply, organic means growing food as naturally as possible, with the highest regard for the environment and animal welfare, without resorting to the use of artificial chemicals.
Whether it’s dairy, beef, lamb or any other produce being grown or handled organically by Coombe Farm, customers can be assured that the best organic principals have been applied throughout.
These principles aren’t just great for consumers, and being organic has a huge positive impact on animal welfare. For example, on organic dairy farms, cows must have the opportunity to graze freely and it is normal for two acres to provide grazing for each cow. Compare that to two cows being kept on the same area of a non-organic farm where the cattle are actually allowed outside and you begin to see these benefits. We believe the greater grazing area given to cows is not just better for welfare; it also leads to better quality milk.
The same can be said for Beef and Lamb animals that graze on natural pastures, have the opportunity to roam freely and be reared without the routine use of drugs, such as antibiotics and growth stimulants. The farmers growing organic food believe that our health is directly connected to the food we eat and, ultimately, the health of the soil being farmed.
Strict regulations govern the use of the word organic and it can only be applied to things that have been farmed according to tightly specified codes of practice.
As well as Soil Association approval, The A H Warren Trust has its own stringent Assurance Scheme and RSPCA Freedom Food accreditation. We believe that organic farming brings benefits to everyone involved, from those working on the land, the animals living on it and consumers enjoying the food that’s produced, The A H Warren Trust has been instrumental in encouraging and guiding several other farms in the South Somerset area to switch to organic dairy farming.