Why Tom would be an effective mentor

 

  • Tom established Cae Tân CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) in 2014.  One of the largest sustainable community-based horticulture enterprises in Wales, he remains at the helm as both a director and grower.  Crops are diverse and seasonal including potatoes, brassicas, leeks, onions, carrots, parsnips, beetroot, tomatoes, aubergines, peppers, cucumbers, squash, courgettes, sweetcorn etc. 
  • Currently supplying around 135 households in the Swansea/Gower area with weekly produce from two sites totalling eight acres, this business employs two growers, an education officer and an office administrator.
  • A schools programme runs all year round, with invited trainees - 14 to date - helping out seven months of the year.  Trainees are supported into their own projects or employment. Volunteers, youngsters, refugees and hard to reach groups are hosted two days per week.  
  • Tom is passionate about his work and has a great track record of supporting others wanting to access the knowledge required to run their own sustainable farming/horticulture enterprises.  After many years of working in this sector, he has gained significant expertise in the planning and delivery of practical low-impact organic and biodynamic horticulture enterprises and has experience of government, community and private sector schemes. He runs an online training programme in partnership with the UK CSA Network. 
  • •    Knowledgeable, enthusiastic and open-minded, he is already one of the leading mentors and trainers for community supported agriculture in the UK.  Keen to inspire and encourage newcomers to either start up or develop their own businesses within his burgeoning sector, he’s looking forward to his latest mentoring role with Farming Connect.  

Current farm business

 

  • Cae Tan CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a CIC (Community Interest Company). Located over eight acres near Swansea, the business incorporates sustainable field-scale production, intensive polytunnel crops, an agroforestry system, wood coppice, ponds and wildlife areas.  Fertility is based on a rotational growing system, using green manures and imported organic waste from the locality.  Growing and harvesting is mainly carried out using a range of hand tools as well as two small tractors and other machinery. 
  • Cae Tân CSA currently grows food for 135 local households all year round. Members are recruited by word of mouth and social media. They pay up-front monthly which entitles them to a weekly share in the harvest. Produce is picked and packed then collected by members from a local hub. No time is wasted at markets or making deliveries. There is zero crop waste and any packaging used is biodegradable. Any veg uncollected are donated to food banks.   
  • Cae Tân is publicised via its own website http://www.caetancsa.org/en/ as well as through Facebook and Instagram. 

Qualifications/achievements/ experience

05/02   University of Wales Aberystwyth - BSc Organic Farming  
02/01     KVL Royal Veterinary & Agricultural College, Copenhagen   

  • European specialisation in Organic Farming (ERASMUS)
  • Intensive summer course ‘The Human Context of Organic Farming

Additional training/research

06/07         International distance training programme (Certificate in                 biodynamic agriculture) 
10/04        Organic small scale horticultural training – HDRA / Garden Organic

Experience

2014 – to date: Founder, grower and director of Cae Tân CSA. 
2010 – to date: Horticultural advisor to growing projects across the UK 
With Social Farms & Gardens, The UK CSA Network, The Landworkers Alliance providing consultation, mentoring, training (online and in person).  
2011 – 2014: Online Course Assessor for The Biodynamic Education Centre - NSW, Australia
2011 – 2013: Horticultural Project Officer & Sustainable Development Pioneer - Pembrokeshire

2009 – 2011: Horticultural Project Officer – Down to Earth Project, Gower Peninsula
2006 – 2008: Horticultural Project Officer – Menter Y Felin Uchaf, Llyn Peninsula
2003 – 2005: Sustainability Officer part-time - Ecodyfi, Machynlleth
2003 – 2005: Commercial Horticulturist - Ynyslas, Aberystwyth
1994 – 1998: Horticultural therapist - Camphill Community, Ireland

Top tips for business success 


“Create a realistic and well thought through business plan.” 
“Make sure you have the relevant experience or the support of those that do.” 
“Prioritise your workload and share it sensibly to avoid burn out.” 
 

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