An interview with Simon Hare, the farmer at Cross Lanes Organics in County Durham
Alexia Robinson • March 6, 2023
Cross lanes organics is an organic and pasture for life certified farm. They produce 100% grass fed beef by farming in a regenerative way to improve the land - working with nature, improving the biodiversity, ecosystems, and wildlife. Their organic restaurant serves quality homemade meals throughout the day, alongside the farm shop which supports local producers and boasts a range of homemade quality products made in-house.
Cross lanes has an impressive traditional butcher’s shop which sits within the farm shop. The organic grass-fed beef and organic lamb is sourced from Simon Hare, as pictured above on the neighbouring farm. Their aim is for their food miles to be virtually zero, giving a real focus on shortening supply chains from the farm gate to consumer.
Why are you enthusiastic to host a visit for NHS catering managers?
I'm enthusiastic to host the NHS catering managers, to be able show the quality of the product produced and by being raised in a natural way, eating their natural diet, how much more beneficial it can be for everyone's health.
The Pasture for Life Certification demands the animals only ever eat a natural diet of fresh or conserved pasture for their entire lives. It is important to us that customers understand the true system, the meat we use is produced ethically.
It will be great for the catering managers to experience the land and see first-hand how the cattle and nature are integrating together for the benefit of both - and then how this translates into a healthier product.
What do you know about public procurement already?
I don’t know much about public procurement currently but I’m eager to learn more when hosting the farm visit!
Why do you wish to supply to the NHS?
I think it would be great for the NHS to be using 100% grass fed beef, to be feeding the patients and staff a high-quality nutritious product I believe would aid in much better health, recovery and well-being.
Pasture for life beef is better for human health than grain-fed beef in many ways: Lower total fat levels than meat from grain-fed animals and is also lower in saturated fat content, the cholesterol content is also proven to be lower than conventionally fed animals. Grass fed beef also has higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, good fats that can help fight disease and a lower, more balanced (and healthier) ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids.
Therefore, I believe that by supplying the NHS we would have a large positive impact on the health of patients.
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