A SOMERSET fruit farm is hoping to expand – with six hectares of polytunnels to grow strawberries.

Agri Fruit Ltd has applied to Somerset Council for permission to expand the number of polytunnels at its Folly Foot Farm base, off Taunton Road in North Petherton.

The firm also wants permission to install 32 static caravans to house workers on the farm, which currently employs around 120 people, utilising both “local and foreign labour”.

Around 20 new jobs would be created by the expansion, which will build on the current 1,000 tonnes of strawberries produced at the Somerset site each year.

“Where possible, the applicants like to use local labour with job vacancies being advertised locally throughout the growing season,” the application said.

A total of 27 caravans already on site will be relocated and are included in the total, with five new ones.

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Currently, the company uses more than 25 hectares of polytunnels to grow strawberries – which are then sent around the country from distribution centres in the south west.

“Agri Fruit Ltd provides a clear economic benefit to the local community,” the application went on.

“The business uses local suppliers, and the farm workers regularly shop in the area, thus safeguarding local employment in the retail sector.

“The new jobs that will be created will be advertised locally to provide opportunities for anyone to apply.”
Agri Fruit Ltd said the expansion was “to meet the demands of their customers while capitalising on improvements gained through greater economies of scale”.

Agri Food, in North Petherton, wants to install polytunnels in the area outlined in yellow. Picture: Bateman Hosegood/Somerset Council

“The aim is to expand the business by erecting polytunnels on approximately six hectares of agricultural arable ground that lies directly to the west and south-west of the existing polytunnels,” the application added.

“Over the last six years, the business has increased production on the existing site from 500 tonnes per annum up to 1,000 tonnes per annum.

“This expansion has been achieved through improving growing techniques, strawberry varieties and improved agronomy and management. This proposal will allow the business to further expand and grow up to 1,500 tonnes of strawberries per annum.

“Approximately 100 polytunnels are proposed in this application which will incorporate raised beds (tabletop systems) within them in order to improve the efficiency of labour.”

For more details on the application, log on to somerset.gov.uk and search application reference 37/25/00072.

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An extra five static caravans would be installed if the plans are approved. Picture: Bateman Hosegood/Somerset Council