Get Set To Grow Workshops

Earlier this month at the annual Driffield Show, Gold from the Wold was announced winner of the first ever George F. White Farm Diversification Award in association with the Driffield Agricultural Society.

The aim of this award was to highlight the important role farm diversification projects play in supporting Yorkshire’s rural community. The calibre of the entrants was exceptionally high and made for some difficult judging but in the end, the Bridlington based rapeseed oil producer was unanimously chosen as the overall winner.

The award was open to farmers who had established a new enterprise anywhere in the East Riding of Yorkshire within the last five years with the aim of preserving their family farming business.

Gold from the Wold involves five members of the Jackson family who have been manufacturing their culinary rapeseed oil from Carnaby House Farm since 2007. Hailed as East Yorkshire’s very own answer to olive oil, the oil is cold pressed and bottled on the farm from their own crops. It offers complete traceability and low food miles both of which are of increasing importance to today’s consumer. The company now sells 30,000 bottles a year at farmers markets and fine food shops throughout the region.

Jim Bloom, judge on behalf of The Driffield Agricultural Society and former President of the Society, gives us his feedback:

“All of the companies we met with stood out as wonderful examples of how a well thought out diversification can add to the future of farming. The winners, Gold from the Wold, have in the last three years gone from being a start up business to a recognisable brand across Yorkshire. They had totally researched their market and although allied to the farm, it was a complete diversification. The company has tremendous potential to grow into a big business if they decide to expand further.”

The award comes hot on the heels of the company also receiving a Great Taste Award from the Guild of Fine Foods and Mr Jackson said, “We are delighted that our hard work has been recgonised. Winning this award is the best advertising we could wish for as it’s a completely independent validation of our product and company. Now we have mastered the production side of things, our biggest challenge is convincing people to switch from olive oil. Winning awards like this helps us to keep raising the profile and the culinary, health and environmental benefits of this truly British Product.”