²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Strawberries, faith and farming: How a Punjabi family built a soft fruit empire in Worcestershire

From the breadbasket of India to the fruit and vegetable bowl of the UK – how one family from the Punjab established an award-winning soft fruit business in Worcestershire

clock • 6 min read
Makhan Singh Padda started the business and son Bal joined in 2012.
Image:

Makhan Singh Padda started the business and son Bal joined in 2012.

Vicarage Nurseries in the Vale of Evesham started as a humble 3ha (7-acre) hobby plot some 30 years ago, but now covers more than 57ha (140 acres) across two sites, and employs more than 150 seasonal workers....

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Farm Life

Family pays tribute to teenager killed on farm

Family pays tribute to teenager killed on farm

19-year-old, Devon-based contractor died in burst-pipe incident

Nick Irving
clock 25 March 2026 • 1 min read
'Reintroduction of lynx is cruel and unnecessary', Blackface Sheep Breeders' Association warns

'Reintroduction of lynx is cruel and unnecessary', Blackface Sheep Breeders' Association warns

Following the consultation into the reintroduction of the lynx in the Kielder forest and now its proposal in the Highlands, the Association have put their case across warning of its potential damaging impacts

clock 24 March 2026 • 3 min read
OPINION: 'Price hikes can feel especially relentless'

OPINION: 'Price hikes can feel especially relentless'

Head of arable Ash Ellwood ponders fuel delivery challenges as Middle East conflict continues

clock 23 March 2026 • 2 min read