Returning to roots
Michael grew up in Hoxne but left for a career in banking. It wasn’t until the mid-nineties that he returned and, having studied organic horticulture at
Otley College, bought Daganya farm and began the process of securing organic status with the Soil Association. Since 1998 Michael has produced and sold fruit and vegetables bearing the Soil Association symbol via his box scheme, direct to local shops, restaurants and a wholesaler, as well as the stall at his gate.
Field and polytunnel at Daganya Farm
Crop rotation
Michael works with a rotation system of 5 cycles every 4 years giving a wide range of crops and excellent yields from his relatively small area. The rotation separates vegetables according to family, so in each cycle there is a separate bed for brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sprouts), legumes (beans and peas), the onion family (onions, garlic, leeks), roots such as parsnips, and cucurbits such as squashes and pumpkins. Each rotation area is further divided into beds to allow a variety of species and varieties within each family.
The outdoor rotation is supplemented by two large polytunnels, whose richer soil and protected conditions allow further crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers and baby carrots to be grown. A small glasshouse is also used to bring on seedlings in modules, giving them a headstart over the weeds when they’re planted out.
Michael also rents 4 acres of certified organic land at nearby Wickham Skeith, where he crops half the area on alternate years.
Meeting local demand
When Michael started, he intended growing purely to supply a local wholesaler with substantial orders, preferring not to get involved with selling from the gate. Such was the demand from neighbours, though, that he was coaxed into it and found it a valuable outlet for small amounts of produce.
