A YOUNG and passionate farmer is planning to set up his own market after taking on a 20-year lease for a field in Devil’s Lane in Liphook.

Edward Brooks, 29, will be growing organic salad, fruit and vegetables after getting planning permission from East Hampshire District Council for his new venture.

Ed grew up in the village, tending his own vegetable garden since he was a child. After a short spell as an English teacher at Guildford College, he set up his organic produce business, Ed’s Veg, on a small plot at Wylds Farm, in Rake, five years ago.

His salads, fruits and vegetables have been eagerly snapped up by local caterers, restaurants, schools like Highfield and pubs, with The Rising Sun pub, in Milland, leading the way.

Members of the public can buy his produce at Crossways Fruiterers, in Fernhurst, and the Happy Cow in Lavant Street, Petersfield, as well as place orders through Liphook’s Bakery, in Station Road.

Ed plans to open the Devil’s Lane Market to members of the public for educational purposes and on select community open days – once it is established,

“I have been clearing the field all of last year, getting it ready for my new polytunnel and have now added four spotted pigs to the mix”, he told The Herald.

“Currently, I can’t grow enough to meet the demand, which is why I decided to lease this field in Devil’s Lane, in addition to the one in Rake.

“Organic farming is not a short-term venture and I am planning to grow mainly leaf salads, tomatoes and cucumbers in the polytonal as well as asparagus and root vegetables in the field.

“The pigs are also going to be sold for meat. They are great for clearing and fertilising the land and become part of the rotating system.

“I am probably going to have more pigs later on.”

Ed is hoping to offer volunteering positions and shares in the business and has already raised £30,000 in interest free loans from local people to get his new project started.

“So far I have been doing it all by myself with the help of family and friends, but I will be looking at employing someone. I am very goal focussed and know what I want to do.

“What I am doing is not a charity, or a community interest company, and there will be no steering committee. I have a lot of good contacts who have helped me so far.

“As a grower the important things for me is sustainably produced quality food that is affordable. Doing this has given me a natural rhythm of life and although it is hard work, I really enjoy it.”