Nusrat Ghani Visits Delves Farm to Back Rural Businesses

Nusrat Ghani, the MP for Sussex Weald, visited the Delves family farm in Waldron to meet Joe and Becky Delves and examine their cheesemaking operation. The farm is run by the third generation of the Delves family, which has diversified its dairy business by processing milk from its own herd into cheese.

The farm’s cheese operation has developed into a separate business alongside its dairy activities. One of its additions is a 24-hour vending machine, allowing customers to buy cheese outside normal opening hours.

During the visit, Ms Ghani observed the cheeses being turned and brushed. She also packed one of the farm’s cheddar cheeses. “Who doesn’t love cheese?” she said, describing the vending machine as making it easier for customers to buy the family’s products.

Ms Ghani said the Delves family had built a customer base that extended beyond the local area. Customers travel for hours to buy the farm’s selection, while the business also supplies cheese wheels and other produce for weddings and celebrations.

The farm’s products have appeared on wedding menus and on the menu at The Star Inn in Waldron. Ms Ghani said that local businesses needed support and called on the government to provide stronger backing for rural businesses.

The Delves family farm is accredited by the Vegetarian Society and Compassion in World Farming. The visit focused on the farm’s cheesemaking, its retail vending machine and the ways in which the dairy business has broadened its customer base.