Ashurst Organics veg box scheme started in 1994 as a Community Supported venture organised by Common Cause Co-operative - a social enterprise based in Lewes, East Sussex. 

When Peter and Collette Haynes took on Ashurst Farm from the White brothers (Alec & Horace) they were able to obtain instant organic status from the Soil Association as the brothers had never used chemicals or "any such nonsense" since 1945 (they had also been hand milking cows right up until 1993).  This meant a healthy, vital and fertile soil but also a weed-seed bank from the time of the Ark!

The farm is located in sight of the South Downs, four miles west of Lewes in Plumpton, East Sussex.  

The box scheme then grew successfully almost entirely by word of mouth and has since thrived because of the support of its scheme members who feel as much a part of the land as those who have helped farm it.

Helping with the carrot harvest before the harvest feast

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We currently grow more than 40 varieties of vegetable on fifteen acres to supply the boxes.  We deliver veg to nearby towns and villages.  We also sell at Lewes Farmers market and to local shops, cafes and caterers.  
We supplement the boxes with veg from other local growers who have glasshouses to extend the season and increase variety.  At certain times of the year when local seasonal veg is limited we buy in from further afield.  UK first, then France and Spain during the Hungry Gap.  None of our veg is air freighted.

Lewes Farmers Market 10th Anniversary

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Soil Association Registration No. G1796 and P1796.