Second star role on TV for Retford fruit farm in M&S campaign
A farm near Retford is to feature again on TV as part of M&S’ ongoing Farm to Foodhall campaign led by celebrity chef, Tom Kerridge.
Farmers Jenny and Stephen Tasker, and their successful fruit farm enterprise in North Wheatley, have supplied M&S with premium strawberries for six years.
Now Tasker Partnership is using the national TV ad to show how the farm uses renewable energy to reduce its carbon footprint, all while making the most of the natural advantages the Nottinghamshire countryside offers to grow delicious strawberries.
The family-run farm benefits from high light levels and cooler climates, creating ideal conditions for the Taskers to grow larger, sweeter berries than the norm, such as the much-loved Red Diamond variant.
On-site wind turbines and solar panels power a portion of the farm's operations, while extensive wildflower planting supports local pollinators.
Always on the lookout for new ways to innovate, the Taskers are analysing the whole farm to look at ways to reduce its carbon footprint, and have introduced automated irrigation systems to help reduce the farm's water usage.
Jenny Tasker, director at Tasker Partnership, said: "It is an immense privilege and pleasure to have our team’s efforts celebrated on television once again.
"We never take it for granted; producing these beautiful berries is the result of incredible hard work, and we really appreciate the recognition.”
She added: "The recent summer heatwave has reminded us just how much people love British berries - they really do taste like summer and are perfect with a dollop of cream.
"But the extreme weather also underlines the importance of resilience in farming, and we're making sure we have the right worker welfare and infrastructure in place so that our farm continues to thrive, no matter the weather."
Through its Plan A for Farming 2030 strategy, M&S continues to work closely with its Select Farmers to build long-term resilience across the agricultural sector – supporting farmers to invest, innovate and adopt more sustainable and regenerative farming practices.
M&S’ Farm to Foodhall campaign spans TV, in-store, online and social media, following Tom Kerridge as he visits M&S farmers and suppliers across the UK, bringing to life the stories behind a range of products.