Golden opportunity for Wharfe Valley farm
FARMERS are not usually an optimistic bunch, which is hardly surprising given the number of crises to hit the industry in recent years.
From disease to adverse weather, red tape to price brow beating by supermarkets operating in agriculture is a bumpy ride.
But the Kilby family are determined to show that a little bit of luck, a touch of ingenuity and a whole load of determination can reverse fortunes. Their cold pressed rapeseed oil is sold in supermarkets, endorsed by leading chefs, award winning and yet still exclusive (the premium product is only available from the Kilby’s own farm shop in Collingham near Wetherby and independent retailers and delis).
Since diversifying into oil production in 2006, stockists and sales have risen dramatically including those direct from Lilac Farm, which already had a reputation for asparagus, courgettes, potatoes and PYO soft fruit. A livery business is also run on site. It has also become one of only three culinary rapeseed oil producers to achieve Safe and Local Supplier Approval (SALSA) accreditation.
Production of Wharfe Valley Farms cold pressed rapeseed oil is also about to increase thanks to a £30,000 grant from Yorkshire Forward to expand bottling capacity to around 1,500 bottles an hour.
As well as increasing home grown demand there’s interest from overseas particularly from Denmark, Spain and more recently Norway. Aside from the health benefits (cold pressed rapeseed oil is rich in Omega 3 and is recommended by the British Heart Foundation to help reduce cholesterol), the oil has full traceability and is free from anything artificial. The crop is swathed (cut and layered to naturally dry out) not desiccated and no weed killer is used before harvesting.
The decision to produce rapeseed oil themselves rather than sell it to a third party for processing was influenced by a number of key factors not least BSE and foot and mouth. After researching possible new ventures, the Kilby’s hit upon cold pressing.
“At the time there were only two other farms doing it in the country,” explains Sallyann Kilby.
“So we talked to DEFRA who agreed it was a good idea. They said our business plan was one of the best they’d seen. Well it was 80 pages long!”
With help from DEFRA, Yorkshire Forward and old colleagues the Kilby’s set about putting the plan into practice. Although the quality of the product speaks for itself, it’s the family’s commitment to promoting it at as many trade and food fairs as possible that has helped make the difference.
“We attend about 30 shows a year,” admits Kilby.
“It can be quite tiring but it’s very rewarding to get feedback and interest.”
Some of the health benefits of rapeseed oil
Contains the lowest saturated fat content of any oil – less than half that of Olive Oil.
Has 10 times more Omega 3 than Olive Oil
Is a good source of Vitamin E.
High in monounsaturated fats
Contains no artificial preservatives and is trans-fat and GM free
Is suitable for a variety of diets – vegetarian, gluten-free, Kosher and Halal
Getting in front of customer faces has also paid off when it comes to endorsements and orders from leading restaurants across the UK.
“James Martin promotes our oil and we’ve even had other chefs creating recipes,” Kilby adds.
The family are currently in talks with Tesco and are constantly looking at product development (they already produce chilli and oak smoked infusions). Plans to create an association of rapeseed oil producers and a campaign to promote cold pressed oil from the UK are also in full swing. However, the farming entrepreneurs are very grateful for the support they’ve received from the locals.
“What is gratifying is that people see it as their oil,” says Kilby.
“They’re proud and very supportive of what we produce and that means so much to us.”
