{"id":5771,"date":"2026-05-19T11:57:32","date_gmt":"2026-05-19T10:57:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/?page_id=5771"},"modified":"2026-05-19T11:57:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T10:57:32","slug":"ukspf-agri-innovation-case-studies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/business-support\/completed-business-support-projects\/ukspf-agri-innovation-case-studies\/","title":{"rendered":"UKSPF Agri Innovation case studies"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-5780 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2026\/05\/WA_1778268678674-300x225.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2026\/05\/WA_1778268678674-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2026\/05\/WA_1778268678674-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2026\/05\/WA_1778268678674-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2026\/05\/WA_1778268678674-1536x1153.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2026\/05\/WA_1778268678674-640x480.jpeg 640w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2026\/05\/WA_1778268678674-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2026\/05\/WA_1778268678674-420x315.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/68\/2026\/05\/WA_1778268678674.jpeg 1599w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Case Study:\u00a0<\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yollaberry\u00a0Farm, West Devon<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335551550&quot;:1,&quot;335551620&quot;:1}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">About the farm<\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yollaberry\u00a0Farm is a new market garden in West Devon, run by\u00a0Jen 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.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u00a0community focused\u00a0growing space, and a third, steeper field will be managed\u00a0mainly for\u00a0wildlife and biodiversity.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">From the beginning, Jen and Paul wanted to farm in a way that looks after the soil, supports\u00a0wildlife\u00a0and shares knowledge with others, while also building a business that can provide a reliable income.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Client\u2019s\u00a0Goals:<\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jen and Paul\u2019s aim was to create a successful market garden that produces healthy food while also\u00a0benefiting\u00a0the local environment and community<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Grow vegetables and seeds using regenerative farming methods<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Improve soil health from the outset<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Put the right infrastructure in place, including polytunnels and storage<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Build strong links with the local community and support local food supply<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Support received<\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Through the Agri Innovation Programme, Jen and Paul received adviser support to help shape their plans and\u00a0identify\u00a0practical next steps.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u00a0placement\u00a0and\u00a0possible routes\u00a0to market. The advice helped them prioritise actions and make decisions that fit the land and their\u00a0long-term\u00a0aims.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Specialist soil testing was also funded using two different approaches. One set of tests looked at nutrients, organic matter, soil\u00a0structure\u00a0and pH, while a second focused on the biological health of the soil. Together, these results showed that the soil was\u00a0generally in\u00a0good condition, but that some nutrients and beneficial soil fungi were limited.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u00a0purchase\u00a0specialist equipment to support these improvements from the start.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Additional\u00a0support was provided around funding opportunities and the planning process, including preparing a detailed letter to support applications for polytunnels and a storage building.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What has changed<\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u00a0long-term\u00a0resilience. The soil testing has given them confidence in their approach and directly influenced how they are preparing beds,\u00a0composting\u00a0and planting.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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,\u00a0Yollaberry\u00a0Farm is ready to move from planning into action.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u00a0remaining\u00a0financially sustainable.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Client comments<\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u201cIt&#8217;s\u00a0been\u00a0very supportive\u00a0to have the soil tests\u00a0funded;\u00a0we 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.<\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We spent yesterday marking out beds and planting the beginnings of an edible shelter belt \ud83d\ude0a\u201d<\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Jen Howarth,\u00a0Yollaberry\u00a0Farm<\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8212;&#8211;<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Case Study: <\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> <span class=\"TextRun SCXW190989289 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW190989289 BCX8\">Hilltown Organics, West Devon <\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">About the farm<\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Most of the farm\u2019s produce is sold locally. Around 90% is sold through a farm shop in Okehampton, Harvest Workers\u00a0Co\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">op, which Sara and Martin\u00a0co\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">own. The farm also sells through the Good Food Loop, a\u00a0not\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">for\u2011<span data-contrast=\"auto\">profit\u00a0network 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.<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With a strong customer base already in place, Sara wanted to explore ways to diversify the business and make better use of the farm\u2019s trees and woodland.<span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:300}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Client\u2019s Goals:<\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sara\u2019s idea was to develop a\u00a0log grown\u00a0mushroom 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.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Create a new income stream from growing gourmet mushrooms<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Use a\u00a0low plastic, environmentally friendly growing system<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Make\u00a0good use\u00a0of existing trees and woodland on the farm<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"2\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Build a business that could be managed alongside vegetable growing over the long term<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Support received<\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Through the Agri Support &amp; Innovation programme, Sara received ongoing advice to help her turn her idea into a practical business plan.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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\u00a0different stages\u00a0of mushroom growth, reducing risks from pests and contamination, and understanding the labour and infrastructure\u00a0required.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Specialist support was then provided by 42 Acres, a\u00a0Somerset\u00a0based\u00a0organisation 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.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Programme funding was also used to\u00a0purchase\u00a0essential equipment, including a lightweight chainsaw, hand\u00a0saws\u00a0and 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.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Alongside this, adviser support also covered wider business topics such as carbon\u00a0auditing,\u00a0funding options, and\u00a0agri-environmental\u00a0schemes, helping Sara plan for the future of the whole farm.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What has changed<\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As a result of the support, Sara now has a clear, step-by-step plan for developing a\u00a0log grown\u00a0mushroom enterprise that fits well with the rest of the farm business.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Case Study:\u00a0Yollaberry\u00a0Farm, West Devon\u00a0 About the farm\u00a0 Yollaberry\u00a0Farm is a new market garden in West Devon, run by\u00a0Jen and Paul Howarth. They are experienced growers who have recently set up a new farming business on 9.5 acres of land spread &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/business-support\/completed-business-support-projects\/ukspf-agri-innovation-case-studies\/\" aria-label=\"Continue reading UKSPF Agri Innovation case studies\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2917,"featured_media":0,"parent":4025,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-5771","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-28 01:22:48","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2917"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5771"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5771\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5786,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5771\/revisions\/5786"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4025"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/economy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}