The Rhug Estate, a leader in sustainable farming and food production, has unveiled a range of new initiatives in celebration of Organic September. Located near Corwen in North Wales, the estate spans 12,500 acres and has been at the forefront of green agriculture for over two decades.
Under the stewardship of owner Lord Newborough, the Rhug Estate team of 100 has introduced innovative systems and facilities in 2024, enhancing both customer experience and animal welfare. The estate is home to a variety of animals, including North American bison and slow-maturing turkeys, reflecting its commitment to biodiversity.
Rhug Estate is one of only seven businesses in Wales to have received a Royal Warrant of Appointment from His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen. As a prominent advocate for organic farming, it is actively engaged in various initiatives aimed at promoting health and well-being through its award-winning Wild Beauty range, which features products made from foraged ingredients.
Among the recent advancements is the construction of modern, mobile poultry sheds capable of housing up to 12,000 chickens. These facilities complement the estate’s sustainable energy sources, including a solar farm, hydro turbines, and biomass boilers, all of which operate alongside riverside corridors.
Reflecting on the estate’s progress, Lord Newborough stated: “There has been a period of significant investment in carbon-neutral processes and green energy projects which will have a positive impact on our carbon footprint and the local area.” He emphasised that sustainability is central to the estate’s mission, asserting, “While we are fully behind the Organic September campaign, every month is organic here!”
He further elaborated on their commitment to biodiversity and net-zero goals, stating, “We are always looking for ways to utilise the land with new techniques and technology to ensure the best and most sustainably produced food and drink for our loyal customers.”
Notable developments over the past two years include the installation of a hydrogen electrolyser in one of the delivery vans, which travels to London twice a week. This innovation has reduced exhaust emissions by up to 80% and fuel combustion by 20%. Additionally, an electrical forklift has replaced the original tractor used in the cutting plant, contributing to sustainability efforts on-site. Staff members have also undergone carbon literacy training to deepen their understanding of climate change, while regenerative agriculture methods have been implemented to promote soil health and improve livestock efficiency.
Emyr Owen, Estate Farm Manager, commented on the estate’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. “The list goes on and on, but we will keep working hard, striving to be even more sustainable and raising standards while embracing innovation,” he said. Owen expressed pride in their organic farming practices, describing them as a “beacon of best practice for others in the UK and beyond.”
With more developments on the horizon, Rhug Estate is determined to maintain its organic ethos, which has guided its practices for over 20 years. As Organic September encourages the celebration of organic farming and consumer awareness, Rhug Estate continues to be a significant player in the evolution of sustainable agriculture.
