What to buy at Better Food: Organic chickens, and turkeys and geese during the festive season

Otter Valley is a collective of mixed organic farms sprawling near and along the south Devon coastline, each of which has given over a portion of their lush land to rear chickens, geese or turkeys to exceptional welfare standards.

Under the watchful eye of Ross Gardner, owner of Otter Valley, the birds are reared slowly in settings that allow them plenty of space to roam and display natural behaviours, such as dust-bathing and foraging. The breeds are specially chosen to mature over time, meaning the birds fatten naturally, without placing strain on them physically or compromising on the flavour and quality of the finished product.

Ross oversees the slaughter of all his flocks himself to the highest organic standards, ensuring that their welfare is cared for throughout the whole process, and that your Sunday roast or Christmas feast is as ethical as it is tasty.

Mission and values: Working with likeminded farmers to provide the best possible environment in which to rear poultry to exceptional welfare standards, producing high quality organic poultry, with taste and texture that reflects the care it was reared with.

Location: Honiton, Devon, EX14 (47 miles to Better Food)

Certification: Organic (Soil Association)

We love them because… meeting not only Ross, but some of the farmers he works with, one thing is clear: welfare comes first. Seeing how the birds’ needs are looked after, and the care that goes into keeping each of them safe, comfortable and happy throughout the year, we know that the product that you get to enjoy is something really special.

Read more about Otter Valley in this supplier guest blog.