Troy Coverdale

I am a Soil Association Certified Organic Grower and Retailer. Since purchasing my first 8 acre plot of land in Warwickshire over 8 years ago, my knowledge and skills both academically and practically have increased considerably.

After spending the early part of my life obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, and working for companies such as British Airways, JCB, Honda from London to Sydney i experienced one of those life changing moments. After suffering from serious depression and related mental health problems; mostly due to stress i decided to turn my back on my previous trade.

When i attended a course held by the RHS (Royal Horticutural Society) and the Soil Association on Organic Growing Methods and sustainable Market Gardening, little did i know that my life was about to take a change for the good. Being laughed at by ex colleagues and interrogated by my bank manager did not stop my stoic perserverance. In 2000 i bought 8 acres of agricultural land in Warwickshire, the land had previously been used for raising sheep and never grown on before.

The follwing years were the hardest of my life. I can now understand when marathon runners talk about this barrier that they must cross when they reach that point of being mentally and physically exhausted. I reached that point, it broke me down to tears, but then a miracle happened. I found myself being built back up, mentally, physically and spiritually. After spending 18 hours a day digging and spreading horse manure i had my moment of ectasy.

After eventually obtaining full certification from the Soil Association (my 'conversion' status was finally over) i am now employing four full time members of staff, delivering over 200 organic vegetable boxes every week just in a 30 mile radius of my farm, supplying over 5 retail shops with my produce year round and attending at least 4 Farmers Markets every week. I started with a wheelbarrow and a fork, i now own 2 tractors, 4 rotavators, 5 huge polytunnels, 3 triple span heated greenhouses and a selection of tools any man would be proud to own.

As well as running my own succesful business, i attend several seminars every year where i give talks on both organic growing methods as well as self motivation and personal growth. I have been invited and attended several insititutions in Europe and America. I am also now looking at starting some Youth Projects to try and help disadvantaged kids to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise 'out on the farm.'