Location
Perry Court Farm is a small family farm of around 200 acres lying in a valley of the North Downs between the villages of Chartham and Garlinge Green and about 5 miles south west of Canterbury, Kent. The soils range from a fertile medium clay silty loam in the valley to thin downland soil at one end of the farm and a heavier clay and flint on the other. Two different crop rotations have been put in place to match the soils with the demands of the crop being grown

History
Historically Perry court was always a typical mixed Kentish farm, supporting fruit enterprises, sheep, hops and cereals. Since 1953 it has been farmed by the Brockman Family. Today unlike many others it is still a mixed farm using traditional methods to maintain and improve yields in a safe and sustainable way. The conversion to Organic and Bio-Dynamic management began during the 1950's with fruit and vegetable enterprises being the first. Now into the fourth generation at Perry Court the family continue to farm in the traditional way with the added benefits of modern machinery and the latest Organic and Bio-Dynamic Methods.

Management
Traditional crop rotation is used for fertility building as well as weed, pest and disease control. The land has now been free of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides for up to five decades, during this period the soils have improved, showing higher organic matter levels as well as increased biological activity and improved soil structure. Crop yields have also increased over this period. These Organic farming methods are then complimented by additional use of Bio-Dynamic sprays, planting and harvesting of crops on certain dates set out in an astrological planting calendar, the addition of composted farm yard manure and also homeopathic treatments for the crops and livestock.

Land that has been farmed without chemicals for that length of time is a fairly unique resource. The family's aim is to use this resource to produce some of the best quality foods available using Organic and Bio-Dynamic methods. The Farm produce is then sold direct wherever possible ensuring customers get some of the freshest and best quality produce available anywhere .

While combining these two farming methods to best effect, the farm also places great importance on breed and variety selection for quality and taste. Often the older slower maturing or lower yielding breeds or varieties are selected in preference for something developed only for maximum yield and standard size.

Produce
The farm produces a range of cereal crops, beef from the farm herd as well as vegetables, salads and herbs. Stone ground flour is also produced from the farms own milling wheat.

Sales
Sale of farm produce is increasingly channeled through direct marketing outlets as it is felt this gives the customer what they are now looking for in terms of freshness, nutrition, traceability, food miles, minimal packaging and realistic pricing, while at the same time supporting local farmers and their families.

The farm's produce is available in Kent, Sussex and London by direct delivery from the farm. Outside these areas delivery can be arranged at a nominal cost.

Sales are focused on direct outlets wherever possible, but also and increasingly so to quality restaurants, caterers, and independent shops. Box schemes, home delivery services, wholesalers, market stall holders and food manufactures also make up some of the sales

It is the Farm's policy not to supply supermarkets. Supermarkets, we believe, have been hugely damaging to British Agriculture and particularly to the smaller and specialist businesses. Organic farmers need to recognise this and find new methods of selling their produce to ensure their independence from the multiple buyers and to prevent organic farming from following the unfortunate route of many conventional farms.