It’s well known that organic farm produce is among the healthiest on the market, which is why it often comes with a higher price tag. Growing these products requires significant resources, and farmers frequently develop their own unique methods to produce eco-friendly goods while aiming to eliminate any harmful impact on the environment. Find out more at edinburghname.
Edinburgh and its surroundings can rightly be called a hub of ecological and safe farming. Many of the local farms have a unique approach to their work, allowing them to grow truly organic produce and supply it to the entire population. In this article, you can learn about the most famous eco-farms located just a stone’s throw from the amazing and multifaceted city of Edinburgh.
Lauriston Farm: Solving Eco-Problems from the Ground Up
Located in the north-west of Edinburgh, Lauriston Farm covers a 100-acre site. This farm boasts a long history of producing organic food, but in more recent times, it began to be used mainly for grazing livestock and producing silage. As a result of this shift, the farm lost some of its unique character.
This continued until an organisation called the Edinburgh Agroecology Co-operative shared its new vision for agriculture—one that represented a symbiosis of nature, organic production, and the local community. After lengthy discussions and consultations, Lauriston Farm returned to its roots in 2021, once again becoming a large-scale farm for growing healthy and safe food.
The new vision for the farm involved the introduction of what is known as multifunctional land use. This concept means not only reaping the benefits the land generously provides but also supporting and restoring the environment. Furthermore, Lauriston Farm is a space where tireless work is underway to find modern solutions to pressing issues related to food, the environment, and society. The farm’s administration believes that only through a holistic approach to the well-being of both the ecology and individuals can improvements in society be achieved.
Regarding its cultivation methods, all vegetables, fruits, and greens at Lauriston Farm are grown using open-pollinated seeds, as well as chemical-free and regenerative techniques. These methods help to build topsoil while minimising disturbance and harmful impacts on it.
The Free Company: A Farm-to-Table Symbiosis
The Free Company, located on the outskirts of Edinburgh, is a symbiosis of a farm and a restaurant, which sets it apart from similar establishments. Its fields are known for high-quality grass, which is perfectly suited for livestock, making the area naturally conducive to farming.
It’s no surprise, then, that this Edinburgh farm has a long history. It has weathered much over its existence, with some periods being particularly notable. In the late 1800s, the farm came under new ownership: The Agricultural Department of Edinburgh University. Interestingly, the University itself was once located in this area before moving to larger premises. This turn of events was fateful for Professor Alick Buchanan-Smith, who was given the opportunity to lead the farm.
For 80 years, the farm’s main focus was the breeding of Ayrshire cattle and the production of milk. However, in the early 2000s, a difficult decision had to be made to reduce production due to falling milk prices. As a result, the farm found itself in a very uncertain position. This lasted until 2016, when an agreement was struck with The Free Company restaurant. This partnership provided the farm with greater financial stability and a new future, giving birth to the farm-and-restaurant “tandem” that continues to operate successfully today.
East Coast Organics: Production with a Conscience
East Coast Organics is the next organic farm we’ll explore. In the fields of this farm, only healthy crops are grown, with great care and respect for the ecology. The farm’s commitment to environmental protection is evident in every detail of its operations. Notably, East Coast Organics uses exclusively electric vans to transport its produce, which helps to minimise carbon dioxide emissions.
The farm’s main motto is to provide everyone with access to organic and healthy food. If you share this view, you can purchase the freshest, highest-quality produce from East Coast Organics. All their fruit and vegetables are grown using organic methods that harm neither the environment nor your health.