Underwood Farm - growing organic food for all

Underwood Farm has been growing vegetables, fruits and raising animals in Lamphey, Pembrokeshire since 2021. 

We are a registered organic farm with the Soil Association and have a vision to create a resilient local food system in Pembrokeshire and beyond!

Since the pandemic we have seen there is a demand to supply more locally grown food to people in our community.  We want to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers, strengthen the connection of people to the land and create a stable income for workers on the farm.

Underwood Farm will sell directly to local businesses, restaurants & develop a CSA vegetable box scheme for our surrounding area. We are shortening supply chains meaning the farmer receives a fairer price for their produce.

Aims and objectives of our farm:

• To grow healthy and nutritious food for our local community; accessible for all.
• Support the development of care and connection in our community.
• Create a high standard of welfare for all employees and workers on the farm.
• Improve the biodiversity and local ecology of our farm.
• To be financially stable and create further job opportunities.

     (Picture: volunteers planting and feeding young salad plants before and after)

How will we achieve this: 

• Develop a subsidised weekly box scheme; selling directly to customers.
• Use low impact cultivation and harvesting techniques.
• Plant trees/hedges/shrubs to increase habitat areas for wildlife.  
• Work with other community organisations and create volunteering opportunities for people. 
• Supply local businesses & households with fresh, organic and healthy produce.

Earlier this year we were successful applicants for the Welsh Gov's 'Horticultural Development Scheme'. This grant helps horticultural businesses to receive 40% (of total capital costs) towards equipment that enables the continuation and growth of an established enterprise.

We submitted plans for the purchase of a new 30m commercial polytunnel to extend our growing season and a market garden wheel hoe. 

Our application succeeded as we demonstrated that our project met certain criteria:

• Embraced innovative techniques for growing.
• Enhanced water, soil and air quality in response to climate change.
• Improved the use of nutrients, reduced emissions and enhanced the farms ecosystem.
• Provided prospects for future job creation & secured current employment.

We are now launching a crowdfunder to match the remaining 60% of costs for the project.

                    (Picture: Summer 2023 with workers Kirsty, Kate and Tina)

The new polytunnel will enable us to:

• Provide an undercover working area for volunteers and farm workers.
• Extend our growing season to produce salad leaves & herbs through the winter.
• Allow the farm to grow a wider range of crops in the summer season e.g. aubergines, chilli peppers, tomatoes and more.
• Provide a larger propagation space to grow plants from seed.
• Protection of crops from extreme weather patterns.

Underwood Farm is prioritising environmental sustainability and social justice for people and the planet. We are constantly engaging with producers, businesses and other community organisations to develop strategies to strengthen our local food system.

A new polytunnel will help strengthen your local food system by providing produce all-year round.

Could some rewards be Christmas gifts?

 Donate and receive one of many fantastic rewards from a local business.

Rewards are limited so get in there quick!

Thank you; Paternoster Farm, Tap and Tan, Top Joes, The Castle Inn Manorbier, Cwtch Camping, Ellie Ewart and Dewslake Farm. 

Would you like to join the CSA? 

Follow our Instagram smile4sal_ad and www.underwoodfarm.co.uk for regular updates. Email [email protected] for all enquries and to register your membership on the CSA vege box scheme.

Thank you for taking the time to read our project. We are extremely grateful for any donations received, help offered and even just words shared about the project!

Underwood Farm

P.S. Look out for our fundraising event happening at Dewslake Farm in December.