TIPTOE NOW A NATIONAL DEMONSTRATION FARM (OCTOBER 2008)

Around 50 guests, including farmers, restaurateurs, school caterers, environmentalists and supermarket representatives recently attended the official launch of Tiptoe Farm in north Northumberland as a LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Demonstration Farm.

Tiptoe is home to Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes, run by husband and wife Anthony and Lucy Carroll, and one of the company’s best-known customers, North East chef and restaurateur Terry Laybourne, was guest of honour. Terry, who opened the farm in its new role, told the audience there had been a “delicious revolution” in local food production in North East England and that cooking the food was the easiest part of the food chain. “The real artists, the real work and the real flavour of the food is done in places like this, and I have made it part of my job to get around as many food producers in the region as possible. It has been an eye-opener for me. I regard Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes as a beacon in this part of the world.”

Anthony Carroll, in thanking Terry, said he had been “tremendously supportive” of the work done at the farm and had given him and Lucy the confidence to carry on.

Further praise for the operation at Tiptoe came from Caroline Drummond, chief executive of LEAF, who congratulated the Carrolls on the progress they had made, year on year, as members of the LEAF accreditation scheme which gives the public greater assurance that the food they buy has been produced in an environmentally responsible way. By joining the national network of LEAF demonstration farms, Tiptoe is able to offer visits to a broad range of individuals and organisations interested in farming and food production, such as farmers, environmental, wildlife and consumer groups as well as teachers, MPs and MEPs.

Following the opening ceremony guests were given a guided tour of the 250-hectare arable farm, which not only grows around 20 varieties of heritage potatoes dating back to the 19th century, but also wheat, barley, oil seed rape and other crops. Among these are pollen, nectar and seed-bearing crops to provide insect-rich habitats for around 30 species of birds during spring and summer. There is a huge variety of other wildlife at Tiptoe, including otters and red squirrels. The Carrolls have planted native trees alongside semi-ancient natural woodland to create a multi-superstructure for wildlife.

Two years ago Tiptoe Farm, which overlooks the River Till, recently recognised as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), Europe’s highest grading, was given the title of Britain’s “Most Beautiful Farm.” Carroll’s Heritage Potatoes are members of Northumbria Larder, lead organisation in the North East England Food and Drink Group.