Island crofters launch organic veg business

An organic fruit and vegetable business has launched on a croft on the Isle of Lewis.

Heb Veg, is being run by Martin and Jennifer Adil-smith at Knocknaird in Ness on the north of the island,

The couple, who moved to Lewis four years ago with a mission to live a more selfsufficient life, received support for the business launch including funding from the Business Gateway Outer Hebrides youth entrepreneurship scheme.

They have planted 1,000 saplings, including fruit trees, using a grant from the Woodland Trust, and installed four extra strong polytunnels, known as polycrubs, to grow potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers and courgettes.

Once ready to harvest, all crops will be sold at the Cross Stores in Ness and any surplus will be supplied to restaurants and hotels in Stornoway.

The couple also plan to launch a local vegetable and fruit box scheme.

“Getting to this stage has been a real hearts and minds exercise, as traditionally crofting hasn’t focused on fruit and veg production. However, our passion for what we want to achieve has helped keep us moving forward,” said Mr Adil-smith.

“We live in one of the most sparsely populated areas in the UK, and one of the windiest. By installing polycrubs and by planting trees that will eventually provide a natural windbreak, we hope our success will inspire others to follow our lead.”

Donna Macleod from Business Gateway said: “Martin and Jennifer have set up a unique business on the Isle of Lewis that will provide the local community with produce that otherwise would predominately have to be imported from the mainland.”

Jennifer and Martin Adil-smith at Knocknaird in Ness.