Farmer Profiles

Barfoot Farms Ltd

History
Established in the early 1970s by Peter Barfoot, the family business has grown to employ over 350 people.

Growing crops across South Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex, Barfoots specialise in sweet corn, courgettes, legumes, squashes, pumpkin, marrow, asparagus and chilli peppers to name but a few

Farming and the Environment

We grow our vegetables using a combination of the very best traditional farming techniques combined with very modern cropping practices. We have a holistic approach towards the business which enables us to balance successfully a sustainable, cutting edge and environmentally structured farming system with the production of high quality, commercially viable, fresh food.

We also measure our impact on the local wildlife population by allowing members of the local ornithological society to carry out bird surveys regularly, with the results being recorded. Last summer, Barn Owls continued to patrol the immediate site, and Buzzards have paired and set up a territory within our farm boundaries. We recognise that we are only part of the environmental answer but we will continue to strive to be an environmental "sink", encouraging biodiversity wherever possible and appropriate. 

Precision farming techniques ensure that inputs of chemicals, fertilizers and water are kept to an absolute minimum to meet a crop's needs. Wherever possible, beneficial insects rather than chemicals are used to control pests. If control is required, careful selection of pesticides is made by BASIS qualified staff and advisors to minimize their environmental impact, maximize their effectiveness and minimize risk of residues on any of our products. This process ensures our produce is of the best quality, remains wholesome and has the provenance of being grown with minimum impact on the environment.

Through regularly reviewing our Farm Conservation Plans, we aim to continue to sustain and enhance the beauty of our landscape. To continue to improve and extend wildlife habitats whilst creating new habitats, landscapes and improved opportunities for people to enjoy the countryside.

(Sweetcorn with Chichester Cathedral)