A TRIP to America proved an important turning point for the future of John Davies' farming enterprise.

Mr Davies of Brook Farm, Marden, realised that the American way of making business more responsive to the market and less dependent on others in the supply chain was the way forward. And this method undoubtedly helped him build up his business to become the second largest producer of strawberries in the UK.

The dedication, determination and innovation of 37-year-old Mr Davies of S and A Produce (UK) has won him the National Farmers' Union's Farming Entrepreneur of the Year award. He received the accolade at a special ceremony at London's Hilton Hotel. Mr Davies said: "I realised then that the American way offered many sound lessons.

"And on my return we rolled up our sleeves and set about the task of making the business more responsive to the market and less dependent on people in the supply chain."

Mr Davies said that the transition required the farm, which seven years ago grew only cereals and potatoes, to concentrate much more on customer needs. "This has been the hallmark of our success," he went on. The business now grows, packs and delivers 30,000 tonnes of potatoes and 2,000 tonnes of strawberries to the shelves of the UK's leading supermarkets each year, providing rural jobs for 150 full-time and 750 part-time staff.

Mr Davies said: "By taking control of product supply and development we have driven costs out of the supply chain and with only one margin to support from plough to plate we have been able to take our business from strength to strength."

The 750-acre farm now has an annual turnover of more than £13m and Mr Davies is looking for an average growth rate for the business of 20 per cent over the next five years.

The farm has invested in its own research team, dedicated to exploring new marketing opportunities and adding value to products. It is currently conducting strawberry trials in Northumberland, Scotland, Spain, Egypt and Poland, chosen for their climate and the availability of casual labour.

NFU president Ben Gill said Mr Davies had demonstrated the enormous benefits of creating an integrated food chain. The award was sponsored by Asda and the Grocer magazine.