Terravesta, the miscanthus specialist, celebrated a successful first decade in the business with a 10th birthday party at Groundswell Show, June 22.
William Cracroft-Eley, co-founder of Terravesta, said a few words to toast the special occasion: “In our 10th harvest year, it’s apt to celebrate it at Groundswell. We’ve moved heaven and earth to turn something unknown into something user-friendly, and thanks to our amazing team and network we have covered a huge amount of ground.”e
Friends and growers of Terravesta also joined the firm in their celebrations, by raising a glass and eating some forage harvester cake; and Mr Cracroft-Eley thanked these very supporters for their efforts in the company’s successes. He expressed that ‘it is the people who are so important in this journey’.
Alex Robinson, Terravesta’s chief operating officer, also gave thanks to the firm’s growers, he said: “We’re lucky to have such a dedicated grower base, and thanks to our R&D work and partnerships we have become world-leading experts in the [Miscanthus] crop.”
Mr Robinson has been a significant factor in the market success of Terravesta – he joined the firm at its inception and has helped it to prime market position over the last 10 years.
He added: “10 years ago, Miscanthus was an ‘alternative crop’ with an uncertain future. Today, demand is outstripping supply, and over 300 UK farmers are reaping the benefits of long term, fixed price, index-linked contracts to grow and sell it.”
Mr Robinson also believes that the future of Miscanthus is ‘more exciting than ever’, as the crop can help to alleviate issues such as soil degradation, rising emissions and fertiliser prices, and biodiversity loss.
“This spring we have seen a record tonnage of harvested bales; the market is expanding, and we’re seeking out more farmers to meet growing demand,” concluded Mr Robinson
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- Mr Cracroft-Eley raises a ‘glass’ to Terravesta’s success
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- The Terravesta team toast the occasion
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- Terravesta’s stand at the Groundswell Show
