Welcome!
I am Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones MBE, best known as The Black Farmer.
I came to the UK from Jamaica as a small boy, a child of the Windrush Generation. Growing up as a dyslexic in a family of 11 in a two-up, two-down in inner-city Birmingham, I found solace growing fruit and vegetables on my father’s allotment. There began my life’s dream to have a farm of my own.
My chances were slim. I could barely read or write and had a bit of an attitude. Leaving school with no qualifications and little hope of finding meaningful employment, things looked bleak. But then my life was turned around – simply because I was given a break.
Fast forward to when, at the age of 40, I managed to buy a small farm on the Devon/Cornwall border.
From there, The Black Farmer brand was born and my mission began: to break down barriers and help bring about the conditions for people to fulfill their potential, regardless of ethnicity or background.
Now, by bringing the rural farm shop experience to urban areas, my aim is to bridge a divide. To give opportunities to local and artisan producers and to create a space where the entire community can meet, enjoy and be inspired. I can’t wait to see you there!