Today is World Soil Day: the 11^th annual global campaign focused on the importance of healthy soil and to advocate for the sustainable management of soil resources.

The theme of this year’s campaign is caring for soils: measure, monitor, manage, which highlights the importance of research and data in understanding the soil characteristics that underpin decision-making on soil management for food security.

Sustainable soil management is a priority here on our farm. We firmly believe that ‘healthy soil = healthy oil’ and as such we place a huge emphasis on researching, testing and understanding our soil to ensure we are farming the land for long-term, sustainable outcomes.

Working with esteemed organisations like LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) and One Carbon World we have been able to achieve total carbon neutrality as part of our wider commitment to sustainability. And a huge part of this has been working collaboratively to understand the soil in which we grow our crops.

We are a LEAF Marque accredited farm and a LEAF demonstration farm that sees farmers and industry come together to look at the soil and share best practices so we can constantly evolve our approach. It’s not a one size fits all – there are challenges and a lot of hard work! But through the sharing of key learnings and information, we can constantly tweak our approach and push for more sustainable food production models here in the UK.

Put simply, we think soil is amazing and we want to do everything in our power to help it thrive. We don’t plough to ensure our soil can store as much carbon as possible. We use cover crops to keep the soil covered, adding more organic matter when needed. And we use a wide rotation of crops, alternating between 4 different crops, in addition to cover crops year on year, so if one crop uses up a lot of one nutrient, we can plant a crop that adds that nutrient back into the soil the following year.

By keeping the soil fertile and healthy, we can ensure it stores more carbon to grow nutritious crops in our fields. Because nutritious crops = nutritious food. It’s simply about respecting the land and the process to ensure the best possible outcomes for people and planet.

Mellow Yellow has proudly sponsored the culinary students at Westminster Kingsway College since 2020 – supplying our cold pressed rapeseed oil to the kitchen, where it’s worked into an array of traditional and innovative dishes under the guidance of Jose Souto – Chef Lecturer at the college for 20 years.

Part of Capital City College Group, London’s largest college group, and one of the country’s leading colleges in hospitality and culinary arts, Westminster Kingsway is renowned for nurturing some of the most famous chefs of our generation including Jamie Oliver, Ainsley Harriott and Anthony Worral Thompson.

The food landscape has changed a lot since these chefs burst onto our screens, but through quality educators like Jose, the quest for quality ingredients has remained integral to the training of chefs, with sustainable British ingredients in high demand as we head towards 2025. Not only do these young chefs want to learn how to make marinades, mayonnaise and confit potatoes, they are more engaged than ever in ingredient provenance and the importance of sustainability.

As a producer of carbon-neutral cold pressed rapeseed oil, it’s been encouraging to see a fresh wave of chefs wanting to connect with ingredients with genuine interest and curiosity. Chefs are looking for so much more from a culinary oil than quality and high smoke point. They want to understand the making of ingredients, the history of how – and where – they’re grown, and why preserving traditional production methods is important. Because ultimately these are the things that shine through the food they produce in the kitchen. They are part of the food story, part of their journey as a chef and part of the narrative the customer wishes to see when they sit down to eat.

Mellow Yellow ticks the quality, versatility and cost boxes for chefs. But it also carries that story of provenance, family history and British ingredients, as well as being the only sustainable, carbon-neutral choice for professional kitchens. Totally un-processed, it is a premium alternative to frequently used pomace oil, and a more cost-effective option than imported Extra Virgin Olive Oil.

From the many farm tours we’ve carried out at Bottom Farm this year, it’s clear that we all share the same common goal: to celebrate age old techniques and quality ingredients nurtured by British soil, whilst ensuring sustainability remains front and centre in our food systems.

We supply our Mellow Yellow oil to pubs, restaurants, hotels, business & industry, education & healthcare, travel & leisure. Find out more about Mellow Yellow for Food Service.

Every great kitchen needs a great culinary oil and we’re delighted to provide our cold-pressed rapeseed oil to some of the most progressive and creative chefs in the UK.

From bistros and pubs to corporate kitchens and fine dining – Mellow Yellow is the counter oil of choice for many commercial kitchens looking for a quality oil that won’t leave a huge dent in that bottom line. And we’re delighted to have some of the best in the business flying the flag for our sustainable oil, including Michelin-starred chef, Adam Gray who was one of the first to switch to Mellow Yellow when we started producing in 2005.

Whilst our focus is national, there’s something rather wonderful about supporting local businesses and we are proud to supply some award-winning restaurants close to our farm in Hargrave, including James Peck’s Ember and the Tollemache Arms in Harrington – winner of the much sought after ‘Great British Pub of the Year‘ Award. But whether it’s local or further afield, our mission will always be to provide the best oil for the job. And with a growing demand from the food service sector, it’s clear that chefs are realising that one of the best quality oils of all might just be right here on this little island of ours!

Not only does cold-pressed rapeseed oil provide a huge saving to businesses in comparison to olive oil, it’s also incredibly tasty and much healthier than typical pomace oils and refined olive oils. Cold pressed rapeseed oil is brimming with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, whilst the subtle nutty flavour and high smoke point make it a dream to work with – bringing not just flavour, but an elevated texture to foods.

But chefs don’t just want quality and flavour, they want ingredients that tell stories, with authenticity, character and sustainability at the core. As a carbon-neutral brand, we are proud to be the sustainable choice here in the UK and have been hugely encouraged by this industry shift championing British produce – and honouring it – in more ways than ever.

Find out more about the value of our cold-pressed rapeseed oil for food service, our sustainability work and our Mellow Yellow values.

Industry praise from Adam and James:

“I have used Mellow Yellow cold pressed rapeseed oil since 2005 in all of my commercial kitchens and also in my kitchen at home. As a chef who is passionate about nutrition and sustainability, it ticks all the boxes for me and is exceptionally versatile and cost effective.”

– Adam Gray

“I love using Mellow Yellow, not only is it local, sustainable and far more cost effective than olive oil, but it is perfect when used around woodfire for its high smoke point, I have been using it for years and will continue to do so.”

– James Peck

At Mellow Yellow, our commitment to creating a better world is at the heart of everything we do. This year, we’re excited to once again partner with Toilet Twinning, a remarkable charity dedicated to transforming lives by revolutionising sanitation.

Toilet Twinning directly addresses the global sanitation crisis by providing clean and safe toilets to those in need, perfectly aligning with our values and dedication to sustainable development.

Join us as we delve into the impactful work of this inspiring organisation, its transformative effects on communities, and how you can join forces with us to make a meaningful difference.

This year, we’ve proudly twinned with 3 toilets:

The Vital Mission of Toilet Twinning
Toilet Twinning addresses the global sanitation crisis by pairing your toilet with one in a developing country. For just £60, you can twin your toilet, funding projects that construct basic but vital latrines. This initiative provides essential sanitation and promotes health, safety, and dignity.

Why Sanitation is Crucial
Sanitation is a fundamental human right. But the statistics are shocking. 1.5 billion people in the world, almost one in five – don’t have a decent toilet of their own. This absence of proper facilities leads to severe health risks, educational setbacks, and economic instability. Diseases like cholera and diarrhoea spread rapidly in unsanitary conditions, posing significant threats to vulnerable populations, especially children. Every two minutes, a child under five dies due to illnesses caused by dirty water.

Furthermore, Toilet Twinning’s mission is directly aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 6, which aims to ensure access to clean water and sanitation for all. By supporting Toilet Twinning’s initiatives, individuals and organisations contribute to the global effort to achieve this essential goal, thereby making a tangible and lasting impact on vulnerable communities worldwide.

The Transformative Impact of Toilet Twinning
Toilet Twinning’s work creates profound, positive change in the communities it serves. Here’s how:

1. Health Improvement: Access to clean toilets significantly reduces the spread of disease, improving overall community health.
2. Empowering Women and Girls: Safe sanitation facilities provide women and girls with the dignity and security they deserve, shielding them from any dangers. These facilities empower them to attend school and work confidently, without fear, opening doors to education and economic opportunities.
3. Educational Benefits: Schools with proper sanitation facilities see higher attendance rates, particularly among girls, who no longer miss school due to a lack of toilets.
4. Economic Stability: Healthy communities can focus on education and productivity rather than battling preventable illnesses, fostering economic growth and stability.

How You Can Get Involved
Join us in the mission to improve global sanitation is simple and impactful. Here’s how you can help:

1. Twin Your Toilet: For £60, you can twin your toilet, supporting the construction of a latrine for a family in need.
2. Raise Awareness: Share the importance of sanitation and the work of Toilet Twinning with your friends, family, and network.
3. Fundraise: Organise events or challenges to raise funds for Toilet Twinning, engaging your community in this vital cause.
4. Donate: Contribute to Toilet Twinning to support their ongoing, life-changing work.

Final thoughts
At Farrington Oils, our commitment to making a difference extends to supporting Toilet Twinning’s transformative mission. We believe everyone deserves the dignity and safety of a proper toilet, and we are proud to contribute to this global effort. Together, we can improve sanitation, protect health, and change lives for the better.

For more information on twining your toilet or getting involved, visit Toilet Twinning’s website.

Let’s work together to flush away poverty, one toilet at a time! Visit www.toilettwinning.org

The environment has always been at the heart of everything we do.

rePurpose Global is committed to tackling the plastic pollution crisis head-on by offering sustainable, eco-friendly alternatives and actively working towards a plastic-neutral future. Together, we are committed to making a tangible difference in protecting our planet and creating a more sustainable future. In this blog post, we will explore the collaboration between Farrington Oils and Repurpose Global, whilst highlighting the shared values and the transformative impact we have achieved in 2022.

Plastic Waste

Global plastic waste production has reached over 400 million tonnes annually. Just 9% of this will be recycled. Most of it will find its way into landfills or leak into nature, creating havoc across coastlines and fragile ecosystems.

plastic neutral farrington oils repurpose project

Overall, rePurpose Global, has been able to recover a huge 8,845 tonnes of plastic from nature across 6 countries as of December 2022 – That’s about the weight of 491 Million plastic bottles! Of the 8,845 tonnes of plastic, a massive 862 tonnes of plastic was recovered at Project Neela Sagar alone.

Project Neela Sagar

Through Project Neela Sagar, rePurpose Global endeavours to recover over 9,000 tonnes of low-value plastic waste by 2030, while positively impacting the lives of 1,000+ informal waste collectors.

plastic neutral farrington oils repurpose project

Farrington Oils and rePurpose Global understand the significance of industry leadership in driving sustainable change. By working together, we aim to inspire other businesses within the farming sector to adopt eco-friendly practices. We are deeply committed to sustainability, and our mission is to gradually reduce our plastic footprint year on year.

Becoming Plastic Neutral

You can read how we firstly became Plastic Neutral and the work we have been doing with rePurpose in a previous blog post – simply click here.

If you would like to work out your own plastic footprint, rePurpose have a simple calculator for you here and even have options for individuals to offset their personal footprints and become plastic neutral.

Sources: rePurpose, Neela Sagar 2022 report.