Hailsham farmers on shortlist for food award

The Brighton & Hove Food Festival has begun and the shortlist of those up for awards has been announced, with five farms having been whittled down from some 50 farmers nominated for the prize and among them is Longleys Farm in Hailsham.

Voting closes on October 2nd but Steve and Phil Hook (o fHook and Sons), who are previous winner of Sussex Farmer of the Year award in 2008/09, have been commended for their work in the last three years.

That includes the expansion of their business including theor organic raw milk, which was initially just available in the local area, and is now sold in three London markets including the prestigious Borough Market "and this, coupled with their new UK-wide online ordering service, has helped sales more than triple."

It is an expansion reflected in the number of staff (up from eight to 16 in the last two years) and a greater range of dairy products on offer.

However the Hooks plans do not stop there, they aim to target more London markets and in the coming years increase visitor numbers to the Farm, giving them the option to stay on the farm in yurts.

Best of luck to them from Hailsham People.