Back in March and April 2025, I had the pleasure of visiting Stoke Fruit Farm with Cllr Collings and meeting the owner, Sam and partner Nette.
For years, Stoke Fruit Farm had shops in Mengham and West Town, and we were regulars there. Sadly, with rising rents and costs, they had to close those outlets and now sell everything from their main farm shop on Havant Road.
Sam spoke honestly about how tough things have become for farmers, especially with the Labour government scrapping Agricultural Property Relief, making Inheritance Tax an even bigger burden.
He called it the latest blow from the Labour Party against the farming community.
While we were there, we popped into the Farm Shop and picked up some of their amazing local products. I have to say, their cheeses are absolutely delicious and highly recommended!
If you live nearby, and especially if you’re on Hayling Island, please pop in and support them. It really makes a difference.
Please remember #NoFarmersNoFood
Both inside and outside the farm shop is a huge selection of locally grown fresh vegetables.
In in the summer there are trays of sweetcorn outside, and in the autumn, pumpkins are available for Halloween.
To the left on the photo, is a tray of some of the fresh "greens" that Sam and his family have been growing on the farm which his family have owned for over 100 years.
The Labour Government's removal of Agricultural Property Relief (APR), Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and VAT changes that prevent VAT reclaims by farmers on some of their motor vehicles is having a devastating effect on farmers.
Sam's Sunflowers are famous locally, and have been featured on local TV, and there is a good video on YouTube of them here.
Inside the farm shop are trays of fresh eggs that have been laid by over 3,000 free hens that are kept on the farm.
You may also buy fresh milk (or as Jeremy Clarkson would say "cow juice"), with the option of a flavoured freshly made milk shake.
There is a also a great range of fresh bread, fresh fruit and locally sourced meat.
All the items in the farm shop have their provenance identified; I believe that it is important to know that we are not just Buying British, but Buying Local.
My favourite produce from the shop is their artisan cheeses.
On the outside of the farm shop, they even have their own "Banksy".
So, please, wherever you are please support our farmers and their farm shops.
If you are in Havant or on Hayling Island, please visit Stoke Fruit Farm 77 Havant Rd, Hayling Island, PO11 0PT
for fresh produce.
Thank you so much. John Perry