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Nafferton Farm, in Northumberland, has launched a new website and on-line ordering service for its organic vegetables with the help of Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES).

The farm, near Stocksfield, began conversion to organic production in 2001 and now has around 350 acres of land producing organic grain, potatoes and vegetables that are sold through its 'box scheme'.

Now the scheme has been expanded to allow customers to order on-line through the farm's new website - developed with the help of funding from RES, part of the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP) delivered by the Rural Development Service (RDS).

The farm is part of Newcastle University, but is financially independent and has to survive commercially like any other farm business.

Dr Philip Cain, University Farms Director, said:

"Our box scheme has proved very popular, with around 50 university staff regularly purchasing boxes along with the public, some of whom collect directly from the farm and others who buy them through local retail outlets.

"Nafferton also supplies vegetables to other box schemes in the region such as Dilston College, Corbridge and North East Organic Growers, near Blyth, as well as organic and delicatessen shops in Newcastle and the Tyne Valley.

"The selection of vegetables we offer has grown with the average box featuring ten different varieties and this year we've also had a small stall at the monthly Hexham Farmers' Market."

Bill Taylor, the farm manager, added:

"The sale of organic vegetables is growing and we were keen to use modern technology to enable us to expand this service. The new website also offers people the chance to find out more about the farm and our organic farming methods and we're delighted to have had support from Defra and the RDS in establishing this new service."

Alex Rogerson, North East Organic Development Officer, coordinates the North East Organic Programme run by the Soil Association with the backing of the RDS and Defra. She said:

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the public to purchase fresh, local, organic produce and to support a regional producer."

Adrian Vass, an adviser for the Rural Development Service in the North East, said:

"Many farmers across the region are already benefiting from converting to organic farming methods, and by selling direct to consumers it adds greater value to their products thus helping ensure a sustainable future for their businesses.

"We're delighted to be supporting the North East Organic Programme to ensure more farmers are able to make the most of the opportunities in this field. Nafferton has already proved there are benefits from converting to organic and by supporting its expansion we hope to see the business continue to grow."

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