FOOD + DRINK
Sustainable Sustenance cont ...
“ Making exceptional wine takes craftsmanship , respect for nature and uncompromising attention to detail .”
ANDREW WEEBER , GUSBOURNE FOUNDER .
With around 71 % of the UK landscape being either actively farmed or owned by farmers and land managers , the food and drink industry plays an enormously critical role in protecting nature ’ s delicate equilibrium . Some of the major issues we are facing when it comes to sustainability is our reliance on imported produce . Currently nearly half of our food is being imported from overseas , with the largest rates seen in food groups such as fruit and vegetables , and subsequently cereals , dairy , meat and starchy roots .
From minimising your carbon footprint to the added health benefits of eating with the seasons , there are huge environmental and ecological benefits in choosing to buy locally grown ingredients from producers and suppliers that are genuinely interested in making more sustainable choices .
Another major issue many businesses face in the food and drink industry is food waste , although recent years have seen a growing number of restaurants and chefs starting to tackle the issue .
Of course nobody ’ s perfect , but , if like us , you ’ re interested in making better choices for the greater good , read on to discover some of the champions paving the way for more sustainable practices across Kent ’ s dining scene , and take a look at the ways in which we can all help to ensure Kent ’ s gardens keep blooming .
VINEYARDS & WINEMAKERS
Simpsons Wine Estate , Barham Spread across 38 hectares in the ancient Elham Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ( AONB ), Simpsons have taken English wine to new and exciting levels - with sustainability at the forefront of everything they do .
After a considerable amount of work , the Simpsons ’ team proudly achieved their ‘ Sustainability Certification ’ in July 2022 , demonstrating their commitment and responsibility to minimise their impact on the environment , while maximising their contribution to environmental conservation and biodiversity .
www . simpsonswine . com @ simpsonswine
Gusbourne , Appledore From humble beginnings in 2004 , to becoming the only three-time winner of the IWSC English Wine Producer of the year , Gusbourne is a premium English sparkling and fine wine producer that has embedded a low-intervention , holistic approach to sustainability across their practices .
Gusbourne ’ s wines are produced solely from grapes grown across their 93 hectares of mature vineyards in Kent and West Sussex .
From regenerative fertilisation , planting wildflowers for biodiversity and using organic fertiliser , Gusbourne adheres to the highest possible sustainability practices . As founding members of ‘ Sustainable Wines of Great Britain ’, with only 14 certified producers across 500 vineyards and 160 wines in England achieving the title , Gusbourne are truly leading the way on the English wine scene .
www . gusbourne . com @ gusbourne _ wine
FARMS & FARM SHOPS
J . S . Vegetables , Nonington Born and bred in Kent , Jack Scott , a 20-year-old farmer and environmental science student has taken organic and regenerative farming to a whole new level . Producing everything from onions and carrots , beets , cabbage , kale and courgettes to chard , parsley and beans , all his veg is grown in a chemical-free environment that enriches the soil through cover crops , shallow ploughing and pollinators to encourage insect life .
Supplying some of Kent ’ s best eateries and farmers ’ markets such as The Goods Shed , Kent Veg Box and Angela ’ s , Jack ’ s pioneering farming techniques and the difference he has made to the community in raising awareness of the importance of taking care of the rural environment has earned him the BBC Countryfile Young Countryside Champion award . You ’ ll struggle to find anything more sustainable than this .
@ j . svegetables
Silcocks Farm Shop , Tenterden Located in the Wealden village of St Michael ’ s , Silcocks has been running its farm shop since 2003 and are now renowned for the meat , dairy cheese and ice cream from their own organic farm .
Silcocks owner , David Fenton , is the epitome of country farmer , proudly rearing his Hereford cattle , Gloucester Old Spot pigs , and Romney and Dorset sheep in a lowstress , sustainable environment .
Silcocks use a diverse mix of herbage for their pasture to provide a wide variety of beneficial nutrients , while avoiding artificial fertilisers . They also rotate their animals ’ grazing spots to encourage wildlife in the area . “ Pasture-fed cattle are healthy and content , growing slowly and producing milk and meat with higher percentages of beneficial omega 3 and 6 fatty acids , trace elements and minerals , as well as better flavour ,” says David .
www . silcocksfarm-organics . co . uk @ silcocksfarmshop www . insidekent . co . uk • 83