News / Environment
Bristol entrepreneur launches sustainable meat business
Farm Wilder recently launched to support farmers in the South West in reversing wildlife decline and combating climate change.
Founder Tim Martin is a former BBC Natural History producer and, after years of filming, grew concerned about the decline in wildlife and wanted to do something about – and thus Farm Wilder was borne.
The enterprise is producing the UK’s first range of sustainably-produced meat that labels the product after the rare animals the farmers protect, such as ‘Cuckoo Lamb’ and ‘Fritillary Butterfly Beef’.
“When you buy food from a supermarket you have very little information about what sort of farm that food has come from,” Tim said. “A lot of food has been intensively produced in a way that kills wildlife and threatens our future through climate change.”
Founder Tim Martin has previously worked for the BBC
Farm Wilder highlights that by purchasing the products, customers are directly supporting sustainable farming and the conservation of rare animals.
Professor and television presenter Alice Roberts support the social enterprise, saying: “Most of us know about the crisis facing our wildlife in Britain, and most of us would like to do something to help.
“The Farm Wilder label means that you know that you’re having a positive impact on British wildlife through that choice.”
Since 1970, farmland bird populations have declined by more than half, with the cuckoo declining by 65 per cent. The fritillary butterfly is also threatened, decreasing by 64 per cent since 2005.
In response, Farm Wilder plan only to partner with farmers who produce food that benefits endangered wildlife, improves soil health and mitigates climate change.
Chris Packham, conservationist and presenter, calls Farm Wilder a “brilliant idea”, saying: “If there’s one thing we can do it’s improve the quality of labeling on our food because that gives us a choice.”
The products are on sale now at Bristol-based ethical online retailer Fresh Range and locally at Meat Box Bristol, Buxton Butchers, Blagdon Butchers and Popti & Beast.
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