It may seem curious that I am the only Black Farmer in the UK. But here in the UK, farming is steeped in tradition which can make it hard for newcomers to get involved. But I was determined. From when I was a child, soon after arriving in the UK from Jamaica, and working on my father’s allotment in inner city Birmingham UK, I dreamed of owning a small piece of land. It took me nearly 40 years to achieve that dream.
About me
Having built a successful marketing business I was fortunate to be in a position to buy a small farm on the Devon and Cornwall border. It was badly in need of some tlc, but I soon got it into shape. Devon and Cornwall are at the furthest point south west in the UK. It’s utterly beautiful and, surrounded by moors and coast, it is rugged and enjoys all the elements that nature can throw at us! It is cattle and sheep country here, with plenty of lush grass for the animals to graze. Also, interestingly, it was in the local town of Launceston and surrounds where many black soldiers were stationed during World War 2.
Having built a successful marketing business I was fortunate to be in a position to buy a small farm on the Devon and Cornwall border. It was badly in need of some tlc, but I soon got it into shape. Devon and Cornwall are at the furthest point south west in the UK. It’s utterly beautiful and, surrounded by moors and coast, it is rugged and enjoys all the elements that nature can throw at us! It is cattle and sheep country here, with plenty of lush grass for the animals to graze. Also, interestingly, it was in the local town of Launceston and surrounds where many black soldiers were stationed during World War 2.
It was my farm that inspired me to create my own brand, which I called The Black Farmer, a name coined by my neighbours, many of whom had never met a black person before.
Flavours without Frontiers – the promise offered by my products also goes some way to sum up my personality. I will not be confined by race, convention or tradition. My life and love of food spans both urban and rural ways of life and my The Black Farmer brand celebrates that passion. Everything I do is bold and possibly a little eccentric!
While I consider myself a ‘gentleman farmer’, I work tirelessly to promote British farming and to bring greater diversity into the food and farming industries in the UK. I am proud to say that my efforts were rewarded with an MBE for Services to Farming in 2021, presented to me by HRH Prince Charles – now King Charles III.
I have had an amazing journey through life and business. I’ve learned many things and failed at many things. But I have never shied away from jeopardy. I am a passionate supporter of those who share my entrepreneurial spirit, so I wrote my book “Jeopardy – The Danger of Playing it Safe” in which I argue that our instinct for caution is a barrier to making progress in life. I believe that we must embrace jeopardy if we want to succeed.
While I consider myself a ‘gentleman farmer’, I work tirelessly to promote British farming and to bring greater diversity into the food and farming industries in the UK. I am proud to say that my efforts were rewarded with an MBE for Services to Farming in 2021, presented to me by HRH Prince Charles – now King Charles III.
I have had an amazing journey through life and business. I’ve learned many things and failed at many things. But I have never shied away from jeopardy. I am a passionate supporter of those who share my entrepreneurial spirit, so I wrote my book “Jeopardy – The Danger of Playing it Safe” in which I argue that our instinct for caution is a barrier to making progress in life. I believe that we must embrace jeopardy if we want to succeed.
There have been many phases to my career. From a short and unsuccessful period in the Parachute Regiment, to training as a chef (and flipping burgers for a while!). Then, unqualified and dyslexic but ambitious and persistent, I talked my way into working in television, rising to become a producer/director for the BBC. I am credited with bringing many of the top UK celebrity chefs to the small screen including now internationally acclaimed chef, Gordon Ramsay.
In 1994, I founded a food and drink marketing agency in London which went on to run successful marketing campaigns for Loyd Grossman sauces, KETTLE Chips, Plymouth Gin, Cobra Beer and other challenger brands.
But it’s not been all about work. I absolutely love British eccentricities, and have long been a fan of Morris dancing. I support (and sometimes dance with) my local troupe – the Dartmoor Border Morris. Morris dancing is such an ancient tradition and steeped in folklore which completely appeals to my own eccentricity!
In 2014, I was thrown a curve ball and I nearly lost my life to Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. I spent a year in hospital and underwent a stem cell transplant. Since that time, I continue to suffer with Graft versus Host disease. However, his experience has given him an even greater appetite for life and supporting others.
This also inspired me to create my Pause range of products for body, mind and spirit. I have extremely sensitive and dry skin and I know how difficult it is to find gorgeous products that don’t irritate the skin. Pause offers a wide range always with this in mind.
SCARLETT’S BARN
A private and picturesque getaway
“Scarlett’s Barn is a little slice of paradise on my lovely farm in Devon where I have created a home-away-from-home for my customers. Secluded and peaceful, it’s surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery the British countryside has to offer, with amazing views and stunning sunsets. There’s room for a family of four or a group of friends across two bedrooms with a shared bathroom, well-equipped kitchen, comfortable living/dining room and downstairs cloakroom. With the sights of both Devon and Cornwall on the doorstep, as well as spectacular beaches with excellent surf and great walks, its location is hard to beat, too.
Email michaela@theblackfarmer.com to make a booking.
JEOPARDY
In my years of recovery after Leukaemia, it gave me some time to reflect on my life and the lessons I have learned as a businessman and entrepreneur – and to look at those things I could pass on to others to help them on their journey.
The result was my book Jeopardy – The Danger of Playing it Safe. In it I argue that our natural instinct for caution is one of the greatest barriers to making progress in life, and shows how embracing jeopardy is essential if you want to succeed.
Drawing on a life that has taken me from a deprived childhood in inner-city Birmingham to becoming one of the nation’s most famous farmers, I demonstrate how we can all go further in life by learning to escape the fears that stop us from achieving our ambitions.
In this book, I hope to show that only by embracing jeopardy, and liberating ourselves from the shackles of uncertainty and self-doubt, can we realise our full potential.
What could you achieve, if you decided to stop letting fear hold you back?
HONOURS AND AWARDS
The Royal Agricultural University
I have one mission and that is to help invigorate and inspire the next generation of British farmers, to encourage diversity to the industry, and to strengthen what I see as the backbone of British society.
So to be invited to join RAU’s Governing Council is a huge honour for me. I’ve been lucky enough to have worked with the University on several initiatives previously, including the Young City Farmers Scheme, which has given me the opportunity to help shape the pathways and passions of future British farmers.
As one of Britain’s only black farmers, my role as Governor will allow me to bring more diversity to the British agricultural industry but also to attract new, fresh blood to it. Our farmers are the lifeblood of British agriculture and I’m fiercely passionate about educating and attracting young people to the industry.
Honorary Degrees
It is with great pride that in 2021 I was awarded an Honorary Degree for Distinction in the Farming Industry from Writtle Agricultural College in Essex. I hope that through this award it will inspire others considering a career in agriculture to go for it. I want to encourage those who are not from a traditional farming background to get involved in farming and find themselves a rewarding career.
Back in 2012 I was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Marketing by Plymouth University in Devon, UK.
