Rural Survival: Ivy House Farm in Graftygreen Kent is in good hands it will continue to grow high quality apples and Pears thanks to Well Pict County Local.

Josh Kann Well Pict County Local General Manager is delighted to announce that WellPict County Local have acquired the one year lease for Ivy House Farm at Graftygreen in Kent.

"These are exciting times for Well Pict County Local as we have acquired a highly successful farm that grows Bramley, Braeburn, Cox, Worcester Apples and Conference Pears. We are delighted with our acquisition as it now consolidates our position in the apple and pear growing industry. This acquisition shows our long term obligation and commitment as growers, packers and marketers enabling us to continue to contribute sustain and support the apple and Pear industry in Kent. Acquiring Ivy House Farm is a great step forward for Well Pict County Local. We will be able to further increase our sales of Local apples and pears to ASDA  IP  who are great supporters of Local produce. We have appointed Chris Kember as our farm manager who is fully aware of the importance of this acquisition and the importance of continuing to grow high quality apples and pears."

Mike Davidson the owner of the farm acquired Ivy House Farm situated on the Green Sand Ridge overlooking the Weald n 1963. "It was half soft fruit and half top fruit". He started to develop and concentrate on full time apple growing around 1975 and now has 65 acres of apples. Mike said that he very happy about the acquisition of his farm.
"I have spent many years developing the finest apples. I know that this acquisition of the farm business is important for future generations as I have seen many farms in various industries for example hops, cherries and milk decline in the past years in Kent. The acquisition of the farm clearly indicates the important role of rural survival for future generations and consumers. Ivy House Farm in Graftygreen is in good hands and it will continue to grow high quality apples and Pears thanks to Well Pict County Local. I love the farm and its apples and pears .I am delighted that Chris will continue to develop the farm and grow high quality apples for the consumers in Kent. My apples that I initially grew will continue to be enjoyed by consumers. I shall now be retiring and continue to stay at Ivy House Farm, I shall be travelling and gardening, but I shall still be able to scrutinize and hopefully continue to contribute to the orchards that I love."

Above: Chris Kember Farm Manager; Adrian Barlow Chairman English Apples & Pears; Mike Davidson Ivy Farm House; Josh Kann General Manager Well Pict Local.

Adrian Barlow, Chief Executive, English Apples & Pears  Ltd  on been informed of the acquisition and visit to Ivy House Farm said "In 1987 there were 1550 apple growers in  Britain but since then the number has declined to around 450. However, during the last year there has been a great increase in consumer demand for British Apples. As a result, we are now witnessing a renaissance in the English apple industry and to satisify the increasing consumer demand, it is vital that growers and retailers  work together closely to develop jointly agreed plans  for the future. I am delighted that Well Pict County Local has acquired this excellent apple farm, which  Mike Davidson has developed over the past 31 years. The acquisition of the farm should safeguard its orchards and help to provide continuity of local supply for their customer, Asda IP. Well done Well Pict County Local and welcome to the grower's community in Kent".

ASDA IP say [Andy Clarke] "We are excited about the aquisition of Ivy House farm by Well Pict County Local. English Apples and Pears are a real priority for Asda and accordingly the quality of supply and varietal access underpins our customer offer.  Ivy House clearly ticks the box on both counts"

*Well Pict County Local is a grower owned marketing organisation that operates from Griffin Farm in Maidstone Kent. It specialises in top fruit and soft fruit. Well Pict County Local has a 18,000 square metres packhouse, and it is geared to supply a bespoke packing service for their growers.

Source: http://www.wellpict-countylocal.com/

Well Pict County Local - Top fruit and soft fruit grower, packer, distributor and marketeer in Kent