This week Parnall Group Ltd had a formal introduction into what it is to be a B-Corporation. This is a business which is certified to say it balances purpose and profit and must properly consider the impact of its actions, both from a social and environmental perspective. Trelonk Farm is the enterprise within Parnall Group Ltd that is most closely linked to the environment, and having that understanding of what B-Corp stands for, it is clear that the aspirations for the farm business align perfectly with the aim for Parnall Group Ltd to become B-Corp certified.
Trelonk Farm is on a pathway to become a regenerative (and one day organic) farm by reducing its synthetic inputs, improving soils and protecting its natural resources. We aim to farm with a light earth touch and make sure that the harvest we yield does not come at the expense of the environment, but rather improves it. Therefore, what we have chosen to cultivate was selected with its environmental credentials at the very top of the qualifying matrix. For example, industrial hemp which is great for the environment due to Co2 sequestration and deep tap roots that improve soil structure; Borage and Calendula are wonderful crops for pollinators.
Another great example of B-Corp style farming is the Countryside Stewardship Programme in which Trelonk Farm is participating. This scheme sets aside land for wildlife for which there is a payment but it comes with a purpose, which is to improve ecosystems. There are other examples of B-Corp certified farms such as Earth Bound in California and Farm Brothers an organic cereal farm in the Netherlands. But so far there do not appear to be any B-Corp farms as yet in Cornwall, so what a great aim for Trelonk! All Images © Trelonk Ltd
