DESPITE delays because of the wettest winter ever and the restrictions of foot and mouth, Janet and Martin Harris of Butford Farm, Bodenham, have just completed their organic conversion programme to become the latest members of the growing movement in the county.

Martin said that the initiatives being undertaken at Holme Lacy College and the many food-related enterprises in the county made it unrivalled as a source of good, locally grown, healthy food produced in a sustainable way.

The mixed smallholding is run by the couple who moved to Herefordshire a little over two years ago, although Janet previously worked in the county.

The chance to buy and to run an organic holding enabled a long-held ambition to be fulfilled.

But with the land only having been used as pasture for a number of years, a lot of work was needed to resurrect its agricultural heritage.

However, with the assistance of the Organic Conversion Information Service, a plan was formulated to operate the unit as a self-contained farm while undergoing organic conversion.

The original aim was to have a range of livestock together with a modest fruit and vegetable operation.

This is still very much the picture but an additional enterprise - cider making - is underway.

Said Janet: "Following organic conversion we are increasing egg production with the arrival of some new Speckeldy hens and two sows have been put to the boar."

Cider has been made with local apples pending their own orchard coming to full production.

It is produced traditionally using a twin-screw press and fermented in oak barrels.

Two ciders have been made - a draught and a filtered bottled product. It is intended to make a greater range this year as well as some perry.

The farm products go under the Butford Organics label. For details, telephone 01568 797195.