A Family Affair
You may recognize the Parrish family name as one of the UK’s biggest and most longstanding suppliers of onions and shallots. And when it comes to the winter months, the Parrish’s dominate the pickling market with their premium quality pickling onions. However, despite the success of its vegetable business, the sandy soils of Bedfordshire have allowed the farm to experiment with a wide range of products. In 2014, the Parrish brothers discovered that the nutrient-rich soil adapted well to cereals and seeds and Ivel Valley Wild Bird Food began.
With a passion to accommodate and preserve local wildlife around the Parrish farm, Nick and James, along with Farm Manager Adrian Baker, experimented with a number of ingredients for bird seed mixes. From quinoa, sunflower seeds, and popcorn to wheat (for flour), maize and oats; all the seed reaped from the Bedfordshire farm now go into creating Ivel Valley Bird Food mixes. And to ensure their wild birds get all the nutrition they need; every recipe has been developed in conjunction with an ornithologist.
Sustainable Farming
Despite significant growth since its inception in the mid 2010’s, Ivel Valley has strived to preserve the history of its 100-year-old family-run farm, combining its historic infrastructure with modern technology. The original farm buildings now house offices and state of the art produce stores, powered by renewable energy from the farms’ solar panels and wind turbines, highlighting the Parrish’s dedication to being a sustainable and thriving business.