FANS of organic fare have taken the opportunity to see how their produce is grown.

Riverford Dorset customers got an invitation for a ‘VIP’ behind-the-scenes visit to Wash Farm in Buckfastleigh, Devon.

It was hosted by Gill and Gareth Rossiter, who retired from the RAF last year and decided to make a living from their love of organic vegetables.

Wash Farm’s production manager Adam leads small groups around the busy pack house, explaining the company ethos and answering questions.

He highlighted how rejected produce was never wasted and was fed to the cattle. Farm guide Penny drove the tractor trailer around the current crops and took the guests to an indulgent lunch at the renowned Riverford Field Kitchen.

Chefs Rob Andrew and Guy Watson delivered a talk and presented each visitor with a bunch of cardoon flowers hand-picked from the adjacent field, which proved a popular final gesture.

Penny Cook from Dorchester, who visited the farm with husband Rob, said: “We both thought that the whole atmosphere at Wash Farm was that of passion and pride in what was being achieved there, from the meticulous quality control of the produce sorting and packing to the obvious dedication by the hardworking chefs in serving such an inspirational menu. Our lunch was absolutely delicious.”