John Sinclair

For John Sinclair farming isn’t just a job it’s a way of life.  For as long as he can remember John, 42, has had a passion for protecting the environment and encouraging others to do the same.  John and his family have been farming at West Craigie Farm, a 260 acre soft fruit and arable farm, near Edinburgh, for over forty years, during which time they have invested extensively in the land and the wildlife that lives there.  John is also a member of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming), an organisation which promotes environmentally responsible farming, and the organisation behind Open Farm Sunday which is held on the 13th June.

As a LEAF farmer, John is committed to producing good food with care for the environment. One of John’s priorities is to provide the abundance of wildlife on the farm with a safe and undisturbed home. To help achieve this John has planted 2,300 metres of hedging and has lovingly restored 3,100 metres of dry stone dykes.

West Craigie Farm grows soft fruit, cereals and potatoes, much of which is used locally. For example, some of the 140 tons of soft fruit that John produces is made in to jam, which is sold in the Sinclair’s farm shop and café along with potatoes and produce from other local farms.

John sees his role as so much more than a farmer. As an educator he regularly welcomes school children and groups to the farm; they not only learn more about farming today, but get a first hand opportunity to try activities like hedging and to pick some fruit and watch it being made into jam! As a food producer he is justifiably proud of his Glenfiddich Food Award and as a business man he is also proud to employ up to 65 people from the local community. But for a real treat, John’s idea of a great day out is helping a fellow farmer by driving his combine harvester at harvest time!

For a great day out and to find out more about how your food is produced and the countryside around you cared for, John at West Craigie Farm on the 13th June for Open Farm Sunday 2010.

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To arrange a visit to West Craigie Farm or an interview with John contact:
Naomi Barry or Amanda Wadlow
Open Farm Sunday Press Office   
T: 01189 475956 M : 07920 098498