Sustainability is at the heart of The Deep’s mission, and this is supported through its commitment to working with suppliers across both the retail and catering outlets who echo this dedication.
One ongoing partnership is with Essex-based Fairfields Farm, a family-run farm that has been growing potatoes and making tasty hand-cooked crisps since 2006.
At Fairfields Farm, sustainability is part of everyday life, from growing the potatoes and caring for the soil to managing water, energy and the wider farm environment. The farm-to-bag journey all takes place on-site, from growing its own potatoes through to handcooking and packing the crisps on the farm.
Potatoes are fertilised using ‘digestate’, which is produced on the farm from maize and rye grown on-site. This allows nutrients from crops grown on the farm to be returned to the land, supporting the next crop.
Water management is an important part of Fairfields Farm’s approach to growing its potatoes. The farm has five on-site reservoirs, which capture and store water for use when needed. More than 5km of underground pipework helps transport water around the farm, allowing Fairfields to make the most of its own stored water and reduce reliance on the wider water network during periods of dry weather.
The farm has also introduced minimum-tillage techniques, helping to reduce soil disturbance and support healthy soils. Crop rotation, cover crops and careful management of the land all play a role in maintaining the health and productivity of the soil for future generations.
Once the potatoes are harvested, they are stored on the farm in cold stores powered by renewable energy until they are ready to be turned into crisps. Potatoes that are not suitable for crisp production, along with rejected crisps, can be used as animal feed, helping to reduce waste.
Renewable energy is an increasingly important part of the Fairfields Farm story too. Solar panels across the farm and production facilities generate renewable electricity, with further solar projects planned for the future. Fairfields Farm has also installed EV charging infrastructure and operates an electric forklift fleet, alongside exploring new irrigation techniques as part of its ongoing sustainability programme.
Fairfields Farm is proudly carbon neutral, with much of its offsetting activity taking place around the farm, and has an ambition to achieve net zero on-farm by 2033. More than 2,800 trees have been planted across the site, featuring 11 different native species. The farm also incorporates areas of wild space, helping to create habitats for birds, pollinators and other wildlife alongside the farmland.
It is this combination of farming, food production and environmental stewardship that makes Fairfields Farm’s story unique. The same family farm that grows the potatoes is also where they are handcooked and packed, creating a genuine field-to-bag journey.
Their deliciously crunchy crisps are available to purchase from The Plaice café in 7 different flavours, including Roast Rib of Beef, Bacon & Tomato and Sweet Chilli, alongside favourites such as Lightly Salted and Salt & Vinegar. As a conservation charity, every purchase made helps to support The Deep’s mission to protect the oceans.
Come and try these amazing crisps for yourself when you next visit. We would love to know your favourite flavour!