Apr 13, 2020
In this episode I'm joined by Guy from Riverford Organic Farmers chatting about the surge in demand for their vegetable boxes. Guy is always good for an opinion or two and I thought it would be interesting to chat to someone incredibly busy, rather than quiet, as a result of the Coronavirus impact.
We chat about how Guy and his team are simplifying their offering, going back to their original roots as a veg box delivery company. Guy in many ways hopes this will be a long term move since he has always wanted to sell more seasonal produce, rather than adding complexity due to the demands of the customer. The environmental implications of a less consumer driven supply chain could be a long term benefit to the wider farming wold, and society in general.
We also touch on the potential 'land army' being recruited from the UK, rather than Eastern Europe, to help farmers with picking and the longer term implications that could have on wages, working standards and the price of food.
Whilst Riverford is currently closed to new customers they are working hard on getting back to 'normal' and looking after the loyal, regular customers who Guy and this team have always so enjoyed serving.
I think Riverford are a great company with a great ethos and give us hope about the balance between our human impact, demands and potential change in our relationship to the food we eat.