AFTER more than 20 years of providing sustainably-grown produce to Clapham and the wider local area, the district’s own organic farm, Growing With Grace, has earned itself a nomination in the BBC Food and Farming Awards 2021.

One of three finalists in the Best Food Producer category of the awards, the environmentally conscious business on a vast site just off the A65 has seen a period of growth over the last few years.

It’s role in feeding the local community with fresh, organic produce has been amplified - especially during the height of the Covid pandemic and series of lockdowns - which saw many of our more vulnerable residents shielding.

On August 11 Growing with Grace welcomed the judging panel of Sheila Dillon and Angela Hartnett to tour the site, including an exploration of the over two acres of greenhouses, farm shop and delivery fulfilment facilities, as well as being given the opportunity to sample the produce grown on site and baked at the on site bakery.

While the team of judges remains, as of yet, tight-lipped about its choice of winner, the enthusiasm shown during the visit only bolsters the hopes of the award finding its home in the region.

Ellie Parker, one of Growing with Grace’s committed team of employees and volunteers, said: “We are delighted to be selected finalists of the Best Food Producer category and believe it to be a reflection of all our hard work and dedication.

“Our values as a business - to produce the highest quality organic produce as well as caring for the soil, our health and each other - are at the heart of everything we do and our nomination is a reflection of these values.”

With the final decision being made on November the 24 it won’t be long until the business finds out whether Growing With Grace manages to overcome stiff competition from the other two finalists in the category. The other contenders vying for the title are Bolton’s HM Pasties and The Black Pig, in Deal, Kent.

Regardless of the outcome, the recognition given to the cooperative, which aims to reap as many profits socially and environmentally as other businesses do financially, is well deserved.

Growing with Grace operates a regular home delivery service from its premises.

For more information or to receive a regular home delivery, get in touch on 015242 51723 or use the contact form on the website www.growingwithgrace.org.uk