Farm Diversity - Product Showcase

FARM DIVERSITY

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

Supporting farm innovation

Supporting farm innovation

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Keeping up with the latest news in the industry

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RETAIL

Formbar’s Sustainable Evolution: Shaping the Modern Shopping Environment In today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape, the emphasis on sustainability and customer experience is paramount.

ormbar, a pioneer in the retail equipment industry, has recognised this shift and responded with its innovative hybrid trolleys and recycled plastic shopping baskets. These products are not mere tools for shopping; they are emblematic of a modern shopping environment that prioritises both the planet and the patron.

The hybrid trolley, ingeniously crafted by merging the robustness of metal with the adaptability of plastic, is a game-changer.

Beyond its obvious environmental benefits, this design addresses a long-standing issue in retail: the potential damage to fragile items. Glass containers, delicate produce, and other sensitive items have often been victims of the traditional metal trolley’s unforgiving nature. Formbar’s hybrid solution, with its gentler plastic components, offers protection against such mishaps, ensuring that customers’ purchases remain intact from shelf to checkout.

Moreover, the weight reduction achieved by integrating plastic makes these trolleys more user-friendly. They are easier to manoeuvre, catering to a diverse demographic of shoppers, from the elderly to those with physical challenges.

This thoughtful design enhancement underscores Formbar’s commitment to

the ethos of the brands they patronise.

Formbar’s green initiatives, from the hybrid trolleys to the recycled baskets, serve as a badge of honour, signalling to customers that they are in a store that cares about the environment as much as they do. This not only enhances the store’s reputation but also fosters customer loyalty.

In essence, Formbar’s innovations are shaping the future of the shopping environment. They are setting a standard, proving that it’s possible to marry functionality with sustainability. Retailers equipped with Formbar’s products can proudly showcase their commitment to a greener future, all while enhancing the shopping experience for their customers.

As we stand at the crossroads of environmental responsibility and consumer expectation, Formbar’s hybrid trolleys and recycled plastic shopping baskets are leading the way. They are not just tools; they are symbols of a brighter, more sustainable future in retail. By championing such innovations, we are not only elevating the shopping experience but also taking a collective step towards a more sustainable world. Formbar’s vision is clear, and it’s one that every modern retailer should aspire to emulate.

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inclusivity and customer satisfaction.

However, it’s the recycled plastic shopping baskets that truly underscore Formbar’s green credentials. In a world drowning in single-use plastics, the decision to repurpose plastic waste into durable, functional baskets is both visionary and vital. Each basket is a tangible representation of Formbar’s dedication to a circular economy, where products are not just consumed but also given a second life. This not only reduces the strain on our planet’s resources but also resonates with the eco-conscious consumer, eager to support brands that align with their values.

The modern shopper is discerning, valuing not just product quality but also

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How the easiest form of farm diversification is powering a post-COVID rural recovery The COVID-19 pandemic produced mixed fortunes for rural communities and the rural economy.

On the one hand, farmers and farm labourers saw little change in their working day as food production remained a priority to keep the country fuelled for the long fight ahead.

On the other, country pubs, shops, and restaurants – often the beating heart of villages and market towns – were devastated by the successive lockdowns and social distancing regulations, leading not just to the loss of livelihoods, but almost all social contact in some of the UK’s most remote regions.

As the pandemic continued, the outlook appeared bleaker and bleaker for the glorious British countryside.

It therefore came as a surprise to many that salvation – or at least, part salvation – lay in the tweaking of an obscure piece of planning legislation little known outside local council circles. But in June 2020, the UK Government announced that Permitted Development Rights (PDR) would be extended from 28 days to 56 in England for the remainder of the year, to help the rural economy recover from the pandemic.

In practical terms, the change enabled farmers and other land-based businesses to carry out some kind of diversification activity on their land for up to 56 days each year without having to apply for planning permission. Previously, the limit had been 28 days.

They responded in droves, and in the vast majority of cases the diversification project of choice was a ‘pop-up’ campsite as these are cheap, quick and easy to establish, and can be very lucrative.

In the wake of the regulation change,

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online campsite booking platform, Pitchup. com, saw a surge of temporary, farmbased campsites registering with them and immediately decided to support farmers providing tourism facilities in any way they could.

When the first lockdown eased, COVIDweary holidaymakers desperate for a break but wary of foreign travel made an exodus from the UK’s towns and cities to discover parts of England they had never visited before, many staying on the newly formed, pop-up sites.

“It was a perfect storm,” Dan Yates, founder of Pitchup.com, said.

“Extending PDRs meant setting up a campsite suddenly became worthwhile for far more farmers, and this coincided with a huge demand for staycations driven by people being cooped up during lockdown and being unable, or lacking the desire, to go abroad.

“What was really great to see was that the visitors didn’t just spend their money with the campsites. All the local businesses that had made it through the first lockdown and reopened began to see an influx of new people.

“So, whereas they might have felt the future looked bleak, this surge of new customers helped them to get back on their feet.

“Extending PDR was an inspired decision by the government because it actually created the result it set out to do – help the rural economy recover.”

Of course, it wasn’t all plain sailing.

Successive lockdowns and ongoing social distancing rules created by COVID continued to take their toll on rural communities.

And it isn’t just the pandemic that farmers and rural people are currently dealing with. Reduction to the Basic Payment Scheme, the phasing-in of environmentally based payments, not to mention Brexit, are all exerting extra pressure.

But it is here that campsites can help

alleviate some of that strain.

“Temporary campsites are very easy to set up,” Mr Yates said.

“At their most basic, all you need is some toilets and running water. Showers are usually provided, but not essential.

“Most of the farmers we know who have run one say they’re very easy to manage around the day-to-day farming activities as the campers go off to explore the local area. Many also enjoy having more people around the farm, especially after COVID deprived people of social interaction.

“But the most common reason for setting one up is how lucrative they can be. The smallest temporary, farm-based campsites average around £13,000 of additional income per season and many earn more than £50,000. Our top earning site this year has made more than £120,000 over the holiday season, which is a huge amount, and it really helps in making a farm business profitable.”

Pitchup.com’s support for pop-up campsites, farmers and the wider rural economy led to the business being crowned a ‘Pandemic Hero’ at the National Farm Attraction Awards (NFAN) 2021, presented by Countryfile host, Adam Henson, winning the ‘Trade Heroes’ category.

The business has campaigned to have the 56-day threshold increased to help more rural enterprises recover and is now asking the government to at least to retain the current status quo into future years.

One farmer whose campsite benefitted from this year’s surge in interest was Oliver Surman who rears 200 head of organic Aberdeen Angus x Hereford beef stores on his farm near Upton upon Severn, as well as growing organic potatoes and cereal crops.

Recently, Mr Surman played host to Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston at his farm campsite, Little Fish Meadow, to explain the benefits the 56-day ruling had had.

He said: “The 56 day rule has made it

RENEWABLE ENERGY

possible for a lot of farmers across England and Wales to open a campsite for the first time, as many didn’t feel 28 days was long enough for it to be viable.

“This has been fantastic for the farmers themselves and has had significant benefits for wider rural communities.

“I would estimate that everyone who stays with us spends between £25 and £30 a day with surrounding businesses which has a really positive impact on the local economy.

“They may buy ice creams in the afternoon, perhaps hire a canoe or boat and go on the river, have lunch and drinks in the local pub and in the evening, go into the town.

“Upton is a tourist town and without visitors it would suffer. Campsites like ours are a fantastic way to boost visitor numbers during peak season when demand is at its highest and with the extended

planning regulations in place, that is happening all across England and Wales.”

Mr Surman added he already ran a number of diversification activities on the farm, including a music festival, a triathlon, an organic ready meals business, Pegoty Hedge, but COVID had been the impetus to focus more on his campsite and list it on Pitchup.com for the first time.

“I’ve been blown away by the response,” he said.

“People have been coming from all over and seem to be having a wonderful experience.

Often, they’ve never camped before and turn up with a tent straight from the outdoor shop that they don’t know how to put up, but they soon figure it out.”

Mr Yates described the 56day extension as a ‘godsend’ for working farmers and rural communities.

He said: “The way tourists use these sites means an entire

community can share in the benefits of just a single pop-up campsite.

“The experience of farmers who use us to market their sites seems to be there are no downsides at all. With that in mind, we’re hopeful that further flexibility over Permitted Development Rights and licensing will be granted for

2022.”

Any farmers or landowners interested in setting up a pop-up campsite for the 2022 season can find out more at https://www.pitchup.com/howstart-campsite-caravan-park/ and https://www.pitchup.com/ join/ or phone 0203 743 9975.

Do you need a Succession Plan for your Family and Farm?

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his results in the development of a unique comprehensive plan that meets the needs of all family members, now and in the future.

Do you recognise any of these common concerns? * My sons and daughters are impatient to take over the farm. * My parents are reluctant to hand over the reins. * My family is becoming increasingly concerned and struggles with the conflicts between equality, fairness and harmony.

* We are unsure about the long term financial and taxation issues. * Family conflict is preventing me from making a will.

Succession planning is a process not an event and as farmer with a family business, I know firsthand how stressful the challenges of succession can be.

Please contact me for a chat about how I might help you, your family and you business, now and in the future. christine@frenchbeerfarm. co.uk”

Rural Succession Planning Helping you, your family and your business through the succession planning process.

Passing on the farming operation can be an emotional and difficult process. It is one of the biggest challenges that a family in business must cope with and planning for success is essential.

Succession planning can help protect your assets, your business and your family.

Christine can help develop a tailored succession plan for your family and business.

Don’t ignore the ‘Elephant in the Room’,

FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION CHAT OR MEETING – SIMPLY GIVE ME A CALL 07887 984707 christine@frenchbeerfarm.co.uk www.christinemalseed.co.uk

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Supporting farm innovation

There are no quick fixes. Juggling the needs and wants of different generations is something I have been doing with farming families over the last decade.

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The Stock Tank Pool Revolution is here!

Originally sold as livestock water troughs in the USA, these tanks are designed to survive outside in all weathers for many years and have an authentic agricultural charm.

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ffering an alternative to outdoor baths, woodfired hot tubs and paddling pools, these galvanised steel tanks are available as oval or round and come in a range of versatile sizes.

They can be filter-pumped, heated, vinyl branded and professionally painted to your chosen RAL colour.

Also available are cedar lids, made to order and

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beautifully handcrafted with tongue and groove prime grade Canadian Western Red Cedar.

New to 2022 - Poly tanks; made from 100 percent high-density virgin polyethylene, quality made and extremely durable. www.diptanks.co.uk 01823 586444 info@diptanks.co.uk

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LIVESTOCK

British Alpacas -a growing success Duncan Pullar, CEO BAS The British Alpaca Society is passionate about all things alpaca, and within the UK helps to ensure the wellbeing of the animals its members love, as well as celebrating and promoting them to members and the general public, to ensure they have a bright and long-lasting future in the UK. The British Alpaca Society has over 2000 members with an average herd size of 20. BAS aims to support its members through providing information and advice that encourages alpaca wellbeing, alpacas as a “lifestyle” choice and alpacas for personal and business opportunities.

Lifestyle The UK has a vibrant showing scene with 16 Halter and 8 fleece shows per year. The biggest show is the National held in March over 3 days in Telford and attracts over 600 entries for the halter show alongside a fleece show, a fibre zone, and a trade stand village Alpacas are popular attractions at farm parks and have been for quite a while.

The expansion area is trekking where members of the public take an alpaca for a walk on a lead-rope for anything from 20 minutes to a couple of hours We have several mills that

process alpaca fibre and between them they can process a single fleece or a bulk order.

The sales of alpaca pillows and duvets is also a growing market. British Alpaca is supported by the Fibre Marque which assures buyers of the provenance.

Support BAS has a good on-line registry which allows members to register cria, record transfers, make show entries and pay for all the above! The registry is currently showing 43,000 live alpacas on the books with just over 4,000 new registrations per year.

Communication between members is a high priority for BAS. There is a weekly e-newsletter which keeps members up to date with relevant information, a recently re-vamped website provides a great resource of information alongside a bi-monthly magazine and a Facebook chat room for members.

The British Alpaca Society

The British Alpaca Society is dedicated to the welfare of alpacas and the education of their owners in the UK. BAS provides information, support and events for alpaca owners, breeders and those interested in alpacas, as well as maintaining the pedigree register for the national herd.

Membership starts from £84+VAT and includes annual subscription to Alpaca magazine (bimonthly).

For more information email ceo@bas-uk.com or visit www.bas-uk.com.

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Wellbeing BAS has an impressive set of resources available to members and the public that help support alpaca wellbeing. The reference material is supported by a range of training courses that start with basic husbandry and could lead all the way to qualification as a judge.

BAS is determined to educate its members on the benefits of biosecurity and a proactive health programme.

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HOLIDAY PARKS

PROVIDING HOUSEHOLD TEXTILES TO TRADES FOR OVER 40 YEARS Gailarde Limited is a family run business which was established in 1979 to provide Household Textiles specifically manufactured for the Contract Trade. We have four generations of knowledge in this area, dating back to when our current Director’s Great Grandfather set up a textiles company in the heart of London’s East End in 1897.

Our core principals of putting our customers’ needs first has helped us to grow into one of the UK’s largest suppliers to the contract market. Gailarde have been successfully supplying the UK marketplace for over 40 years, specialising in bedding, kitchen packs, mattress covers, shower curtains, towels, homeware, soft furnishings and furniture.

Gailarde prides itself on it’s traditional ‘face to face’ approach. We employ a team of Business Development Managers, homeware

specialists and soft furnishing experts who are on hand to provide bespoke quotations or arrange a visit to discuss your requirements. Over the past six decades, Gailarde have built up long standing relationships with many hotels, holiday parks, lodges, care homes, hospitals, universities, cruise ships, laundries, and holiday parks. We pride ourselves on providing an efficient, reliable service that emphasises a fast response to enquiries and the supply of the right products at competitive prices. We are pleased to be to chosen to work with some of the UK’s leading Hotel and Holiday park chains.

Gailarde are approved Wholesale suppliers to many of the market leaders in the hospitality sector. Through years of experience working with these prestigious clients we soon established a growing need for specially curated Dress packs tailored to Holiday Parks and short term lets, it soon became apparent that it was a side of the business with huge potential for growth.

With this in mind, in 2021 we began our collaboration with Tracy Dallow of Dress Pack Solutions to develop a comprehensive collection of dress and inventory packs specially designed to make leisure accommodation look its very best.

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The dress packs are modern and neutral so they can be used in all accommodation styles across the hospitality industry. All items have been carefully selected to help sell the lifestyle you have on offer. Available in three sizes, the Dress Packs include a selection of kitchen and home accessories along with ornaments, soft furnishings and lifestyle items.

Packs are updated regularly to keep them modern, fresh and on trend giving variety to your stock. Ideal when selling.

For rental accommodation our Inventory packs are the perfect choice. Available in three tiers, contents contain crockery, cutlery, kitchen utensils, cookware, laundry and cleaning equipment.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Solar Charging Can, A Portable Solar Charging Station A standalone, modular and highly portable Solar Charging Station to provide sustainable silent off-grid power for Glamping, Disaster Relief, Camps, Mobile Clinics, NGOs and rural Communities. Will power Phones, Tablets, Medical equipment, WiFi, CCTV & Lighting. Patent-pending, designed & manufactured in the UK. it can be assembled for deployment or disassembled for storage or movement in 30 minutes.

• Suitable for either longterm static positioning or easy movement & rapid deployment elsewhere.

Since each Solar Charging Can is made to order, it is possible to adapt to specific requirements, i.e. Variations in LEDs, CCTV, WiFi requirements, auxiliary charging of other devices.

Mobile Solar Chargers have

For Enquiries please contact us on 01935 825914 or email enquiries@solarchargingcan. com

• There are two versions of the Solar Charging Can, one with detachable steel poles and couplings and a lightweight version with telescopic Aluminium fittings and fixtures, upgraded Solar Panel, and greater Battery storage.

• Optional accessories include CCTV, WiFi, LED Floodlights, inverter, removable Li-Po super Power Banks (up to 300Ah) & additional Solar panel.

• The multiple power outlets are also able to run Portable Ultra-Sound, Thermal Imaging Cameras, Satelite Communications & evaporative air coolers.

• Since each Solar Charging Station is pre-wired with quickfit waterproof connectors, all components secured within,

Supporting farm innovation

• The Solar Charging Can is a patent-pending off-grid Solar Charging Station to supply ‘Green’ sustainable 5v-12v charging, Lighting, CCTV, and WiFi all stored and transported within the Drum.

• Highly Portable, Modular, and easy to store, provides maintenance-free silent power where ever it is deployed.

• Primarily designed for Disaster Relief, Refugee Camps & Mobile Clinics, where ease & speed of deployment, lack of maintenance and robustness are a priority.

• It is also a suitable alternative power generator to expensive & noisy hired generators at Events & Festivals & Glamping, to provide power, WIFi, CCTV, Lighting.

specialised in fit for purpose portable power for over 6 years, our products have been across the Atlantic, Arctic, Antarctic, Kilimanjaro and Everest base, if you have a particular project give us a call. We have Li-ion portable power banks up to 2.5KW with variable voltage from 5v-240v, rechargeable from our solar.

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Know the value of playground equipment to your leisure business If you are lucky enough to already have playground equipment at your holiday or tourist destination, then you probably already know what a huge draw this is for families.

Investment in good quality playground equipment is an investment in your profits for the future. Market research by global leading play and sport manufacturer, Proludic has shown that 89% of parents and carers are more likely to be drawn to a leisure destination with a good quality play space.

4 out of 5 families (83%) feel more inclined to return to a leisure destination that has invested in play. This shows that play is a good way to build customer relationships and encourage repeat business and loyalty. The research also tells us that half of all leisure customers (48%) would be more inclined to stay longer if a good playground for

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children is evident.

Getting outdoors is hugely beneficial for children and adults alike. It provides valuable family time away from TVs, smartphones, games consoles, and tablets.

The children can play and make friends while adults can relax on nearby benches

or cafes. Let’s be honest happy children make for happy adults!

Play facilities will inevitably attract more families, but the research also highlights that families dwell times will be increased. If children are occupied and challenged, they will play longer, and parents will also stay longer. During this time, they are on-site hopefully spending more time and money with you enjoying themselves.

Plan ahead for the family market and ensure your play facilities meet a variety of ages and abilities. If you only have equipment that meets the need of one age group then you are excluding others and it narrows the market.

Parkfoot holiday park in the lake district

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as well. We worked with Centre Parcs in France where the indoor area offers a decorative and graphic finish based around a fairy tale and legend theme.

The play structure is built over 3 levels and features numerous play activities: tunnels, slides, sloping panels, climbing, and much more.

Play areas should no longer be considered a luxury. They are essential facilities that not only attract customers but also help to retain them for longer – giving you a greater return on that investment.

To get your copy of the research findings or talk about a project please email us at info@proludic.co.uk

Nature inspired play

Eco friendly products

By Proludic

Get in touch for free consultation, design & expert advice tel: 0115 982 3980 | www.proludic.co.uk /proludic |

/company/proludic-ltd

Bestwood Country Park,

playground manufacturer | outdoor gym equipment | sports area specialist FARMDIVERSITY

Supporting farm innovation

is a great example of somewhere that chose to invest for long-term benefits. Park Foot had previously used Proludic with the installation of another playground at their holiday park.

When they needed to refresh their aging toddler play area, they re-approached Proludic with a request for a fun and exciting renovation with a tall tower.

The finished result is a fantastic play area where the Kanope tower provides a focal point for the whole holiday park.

Installed in 2019 the new junior and toddler play equipment caters for all ages and accommodates over 100 children and has an excess of 85 play features.

Proludic also installed bespoke units indoors

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VENDING

Farmers turn to vending machines to sell their wares Customers have been flocking to farm shops in increasing numbers in recent years as the popularity of local produce grows.

Orders are customised, with farmers deciding on how many lockers to have, whether they are cold, chilled or frozen, and what payment methods to use.

The prices of the machines vary but ongoing costs are typically £18 a month (£216) for software fees with a £450 a year service charge after the first 12 months of owning the machine, to cover breakdowns and maintenance.

One farmer, who spent £20,000 on his vending machine installation and shelter, reported that the machine paid for itself after just one year.

Advice for launching a vending machine service

Research by the Farm Retail Association in 2020 found a staggering 92% of farm shop owners had experienced a significant rise in sales during the coronavirus pandemic.

While many farm stores emulated major retailers, offering a click-and-collect service or a drive-thru shopping pick up, another system long used by the mainstream retail sector is starting to bear fruit for farmers the vending machine.

With the machines able to hold larger items in their ‘lockers’, such as boxes of eggs, pies and even sacks of potatoes, farm shops are now able to offer another contactless method of selling their produce.

There is a range of fresh food machines

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available allowing farmers to sell virtually anything they sell inside their shop - even frozen food.

The machines can allow sales to continue when the store is closed or offer a quicker purchasing experience for someone who doesn’t want to browse the shop and knows exactly what they want.

While “honesty boxes” work in some locations, this style of vending machine can enable egg and all fresh food farmers and producers to develop farm gate sales free from the fear of theft.

Modern point-of-sales software is built into the machine to allow the farmer to track sales and be notified when it is time to restock.

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Start small and test the market - you can always add more lockers later

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Think carefully about your products – try to avoid lockers that won’t allow you to scale up and sell bigger items if you have them

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Location, location, location – you want to maximise the use of the machine so put some thought into the best place to station it. The machines are weatherproof, but if it is raining a shelter might make it more appealing to use. Shipping containers, which can be moved around and offer more protection, are being used by some farmers

VENDING

Fresh milk in old fashioned glass bottles served direct to your customers via a vending machine. pasteurised. Milk direct from farmers via a vending machine is also less processed than milk sold in shops as it is not homogenised or standardised, processes devised purely for aesthetic reasons that sadly decreases the creaminess and taste of the milk. This means it can be transported from the farm and sold in any one of a myriad of setting, from farm shops to car washes, from mobile trailers to petrol stations.

The Milk Station Company are the most experienced distributor of machines to support local producers and

can provide everything you need to set up a great business with a range of machines, personalised bottles, branded merchandise and even custom vinyl wraps for your machine.

There are no contracts, ties or hidden conditions -just good service.

To support customers, they have a customer portal packed with information for successfully running a vending operation, along with a large number of videos and resources for the aftercare of their machines.

Local produce direct to the public Whether you run a campsite, a holiday park or a farm shop, the lure of traditional milk bottles combined with the convenience of self-service Company vending machine popular

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less plastic waste which meets their growing expectations for environmental responsibility.

In the UK, raw milk can be sold directly from the farm but cannot be transported and sold off farm without a special licence, so most milk is

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Rather than buying milk in non-biodegradable plastic bottles, your customers will be using reusable glass bottles that can be custom designed to match your farm branding. Customers value local produce and appreciate

Invest in the best vending machines with the best support behind them.

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with your customers.

Tel: 01749 681381 info@themilkstationcompany.co.uk North Lodge Court, S. Horrington Village, Wells BA5 3DZ

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supply is sure to make a Milk Station

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HAVE YOU DIVERSIFIED YOUR FARM? We’d love to share your story in our next issue

Get in touch on hello@euromediaal.com 14

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