Two months since opening, a Llanfyllin market garden is now supplying several outlets in the town with local produce.

Llanfyllin’s chemical-free Pili-Pala farm opened its Honesty farm-shop on June 9 and has since struck an agreement to supply the Spar and Down to Earth with locally grown produce, in addition to the garden’s own market stalls and online store.

The one-acre market garden, located in Cwm Nant y Meichaid, on the outskirts of Llanfyllin, hopes to encourage ecological diversity, paying special attention to their soil to ensure it stays healthy and creates an environment for plants to thrive.

The owners of the business have stated that they are “really pleased” with the progress they have made since opening.

Pili Pala gardner Thomas Edwards said: “It’s still early days for Pili pala but it’s been going well so fra, with plenty of growth and plenty of positive feedback.

“I think people in the area appreciate procts that are locally grown, especially in a regenerative farm that prioritises health, freshness and soil quality. It’s a difference that’s appreciated by those buying it.

“We are trying to tick a lot of boxes when it comes to convenience that will allow us to reach as many people as we can.”

Since opening, Pili Pala have started supplying Llanfyllin’s Spar with freshly harvested food, with a section of the shop devoted to the local garden.

Wales Farmer:

Mr Edwards added: “Supplying the Spar was not on our agenda when we opened. But we approached Mark, who manages Llanfyllin’s Spar with the idea and a model of how it could work and he was a hundred percent on board.

“Mark has been very helpful with giving us autonomy over our section of the Spar, allowing us to stock it with what we have harvested, which is essential for a market garden. What you have got to pick can change depending on the conditions. Not having a pre-set demand really takes the pressure off.

“Working with other shops in the area is part of a broader initiative for local sustainable businesses to meet and network so they can supply and support one another.

“Going forward we want to let the community decide how we supply them with produce. We would like to see what people prefer and work to develop how we can best deliver that.”