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 Fruit
production and all operations at Castle Fruit Farm are carried
out with regard to the sustainable use of all resources on the
farm including soil, water, air, wildlife habitats, landscape,
and where they exist, archaeological features. Production
methods integrate beneficial natural, biological and cultural
processes into modern farming practices using the most
appropriate technology. The complete process of growing the
plums, storage, grading and packing the fruit is carried out at
Castle Fruit Farm. All land that is not used for crop production
is managed to maintain habitats capable of supporting the widest
range of flora and fauna. For example, hedges are only trimmed
in late spring, grass margins are allowed to grow to provide
cover for beetles and beneficial insects and small mammals that
provide a source of food for birds.
 The
farm is a member of the
Assured Produce Scheme and is
LEAF (Linking Environment and Food) certified. Both
assurance schemes ensure the farm fully complies with the high
standards of
IFM (Integrated Farm Management). IFM is geared towards
sustainable use of all resources on the farm including soil,
water, air, staff, machinery, wildlife habitats, landscape and
archaeological features. The packhouse is
BRC accredited.
We are committed to the supply of quality fruit which meets
all legal and safety requirements of UK/EU legislation. The
basis of the farm’s food safety and quality assurance system is
a
HACCP plan which has been completed and maintained. We have
a defined Quality Management System relating to the BRC Global
Food Standard, the heart of which is the Quality Manual. We sign
a declaration each season to confirm that we have grown our
fruit in accordance with all current government legislation
under the
Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 (F.E.P.A).
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