A hill farm in Tebay, Cumbria, has begun a two-year conversion process to become fully organic, starting from 1 November. Andrea Meanwell reported for The Guardian that the farm has always operated on organic principles, but decided to formally convert with the Soil Association to prioritize soil health and biodiversity without chemical usage, supported by a small shop selling their pork, lamb, and beef.
Challenges and Government Support for Hill Farming
Transitioning to organic certification has historically proven difficult for hill farms because many operate on commons with shared grazing, lack physical boundaries between hefted areas, and share routes to and from the fell. Certifiers are now showing flexibility and adaptability, encouraging the farm to attempt the transition. The conversion process receives funding through the government’s sustainable farming incentive scheme, which the farm was fortunate to secure this year after numerous other farmers missed out.
Practical Changes and Future Goals
Practically, the shift will require increased record-keeping, veterinary approval for dipping sheep, and extended withdrawal periods for various medications. Any newly planted trees must be sourced as organic, or require a derogation if unavailable. This marks the culmination of a transformation from the conventional upland beef and sheep farm purchased in 2018 into a regenerative model that treats biodiversity as a public good. Such a move remains unusual in the north-west, a region containing only 2.4% of the UK’s organic land.
The decision was inspired in part by the success of the organic family farm belonging to the son’s wife. The farm aims to boost biodiversity, breed quality stock capable of thriving outdoors year-round without extra inputs, supply direct food to local residents, and welcome visitors to understand the farmed landscape. While the upcoming batch of beef for Christmas will not yet carry organic certification, future batches are expected to be certified.
