Case Study: Yollaberry Farm, West Devon
About the farm
Yollaberry Farm is a new market garden in West Devon, run by Jen and Paul Howarth. They are experienced growers who have recently set up a new farming business on 9.5 acres of land spread across three fields.
The farm is being developed carefully and in stages. One sheltered field is planned for growing vegetables, another will be planted with fruit and nut trees as part of a community focused growing space, and a third, steeper field will be managed mainly for wildlife and biodiversity.
From the beginning, Jen and Paul wanted to farm in a way that looks after the soil, supports wildlife and shares knowledge with others, while also building a business that can provide a reliable income.
Client’s Goals:
Jen and Paul’s aim was to create a successful market garden that produces healthy food while also benefiting the local environment and community
- Grow vegetables and seeds using regenerative farming methods
- Improve soil health from the outset
- Put the right infrastructure in place, including polytunnels and storage
- Build strong links with the local community and support local food supply
Support received
Through the Agri Innovation Programme, Jen and Paul received adviser support to help shape their plans and identify practical next steps.
This included visits to the farm to look at the land in detail and talk through issues such as water flow, soil condition, field layout, infrastructure placement and possible routes to market. The advice helped them prioritise actions and make decisions that fit the land and their long-term aims.
Specialist soil testing was also funded using two different approaches. One set of tests looked at nutrients, organic matter, soil structure and pH, while a second focused on the biological health of the soil. Together, these results showed that the soil was generally in good condition, but that some nutrients and beneficial soil fungi were limited.
Based on the findings, practical recommendations were made to improve soil health over time. These included making compost on site, reducing soil compaction, and using planting methods that help crops access water and nutrients more effectively. Funding was also used to purchase specialist equipment to support these improvements from the start.
Additional support was provided around funding opportunities and the planning process, including preparing a detailed letter to support applications for polytunnels and a storage building.
What has changed
As a result of the programme, Jen and Paul now have a clear understanding of their soil and how to manage it to support healthy crops and long-term resilience. The soil testing has given them confidence in their approach and directly influenced how they are preparing beds, composting and planting.
The support has also helped them navigate planning and infrastructure decisions and take a more structured approach to setting up the business. With the groundwork now in place, Yollaberry Farm is ready to move from planning into action.
The farm is being developed with strong foundations for a market garden that produces food, supports wildlife, and provides benefits for the local community, while remaining financially sustainable.
Client comments
“It’s been very supportive to have the soil tests funded; we really wanted them but may have struggled to prioritise paying for them ourselves with all the other outgoings involved in setting up this new venture.
We spent yesterday marking out beds and planting the beginnings of an edible shelter belt 😊”
Jen Howarth, Yollaberry Farm
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Case Study: Hilltown Organics, West Devon
About the farm
Hilltown Organics is an organic fruit and vegetable farm in West Devon, run by Sara Melendro and her partner Martin. They have been farming the land for over 15 years, growing food across 25 acres using agroforestry methods, where vegetables are grown between rows of trees.
Most of the farm’s produce is sold locally. Around 90% is sold through a farm shop in Okehampton, Harvest Workers Co‑op, which Sara and Martin co‑own. The farm also sells through the Good Food Loop, a not‑for‑profit network that connects local producers with businesses across the area through an online ordering system. This system helps reduce food waste and makes it easier for customers to buy a wide range of seasonal and unusual produce.
With a strong customer base already in place, Sara wanted to explore ways to diversify the business and make better use of the farm’s trees and woodland.
Client’s Goals:
Sara’s idea was to develop a log grown mushroom enterprise alongside the existing vegetable business. She had already been growing mushrooms on a small scale for several years and knew there was demand through the farm shop and local customers.
- Create a new income stream from growing gourmet mushrooms
- Use a low plastic, environmentally friendly growing system
- Make good use of existing trees and woodland on the farm
- Build a business that could be managed alongside vegetable growing over the long term
Support received
Through the Agri Support & Innovation programme, Sara received ongoing advice to help her turn her idea into a practical business plan.
Early support focused on reviewing her current farm business and looking in detail at what would be needed to grow mushrooms at a commercial scale. This included advice on sourcing and handling logs, managing different stages of mushroom growth, reducing risks from pests and contamination, and understanding the labour and infrastructure required.
Specialist support was then provided by 42 Acres, a Somerset based organisation with experience in mushroom production. This helped Sara develop a clear plan for how many logs to use, how production could be spread across the season, and how mushrooms could be sold at a price that reflects the time and care involved in growing them.
Programme funding was also used to purchase essential equipment, including a lightweight chainsaw, hand saws and safety equipment. This allows Sara to safely manage trees and prepare logs on the farm, rather than relying on contractors, making the system more efficient and affordable.
Alongside this, adviser support also covered wider business topics such as carbon auditing, funding options, and agri-environmental schemes, helping Sara plan for the future of the whole farm.
What has changed
As a result of the support, Sara now has a clear, step-by-step plan for developing a log grown mushroom enterprise that fits well with the rest of the farm business.
She has a better understanding of the practical and financial requirements of mushroom production, the equipment needed, and how to link production with existing local markets. The specialist advice has helped her refine her plans and avoid costly mistakes at an early stage.
Hilltown Organics is now well placed to expand its range of locally produced food, strengthen short supply chains, and make even better use of its agroforestry system, while continuing to farm in a way that supports wildlife and the local environment.