A.J. Busby Farm, a farming business located on Billington Farm in Stafford, wants to become a pick-your-own fresh produce business.
The family behind this farm recently submitted plans to Stafford Borough Council to expand their business operations.
The current owners, John and Helen Busby, are the third generation of the Busby family to run the business. They specialise in growing soft fruits like strawberries, raspberries, and cherries.
Originally, the business offered a pick-your-own fruit option but stopped during the 1980s to concentrate on supplying supermarkets.
Now, the family want to bring this service, in addition to installing a new cafe, farm shop, children’s play area, dog walking area, and a car park.
In the planning statement, the family states: “In order to support the viability of the business going forward, in these particularly testing times for farmers, the business plan involves attracting direct customers, growing the brand, providing a destination location whilst supporting the farming income of the holding.”
They continue: “In order to achieve this, the family need to further diversify and have identified a gap in the market for a farm shop facility in this area showcasing own grown fruit and offering family friendly activities which in turn will help grow the rural economy.”
A.J. Busby Farm boasts 120 acres of land for growing soft fruit. They employ 15 full-time members of staff in addition to 150 fruit pickers.
Experienced writer and journalist James McKean leads the daily editorial output at StaffsLive. To contact him, email news@staffslive.co.uk
