Organic apple production is a challenge but Paul Ward has not only succeeded but built a large business over a 30 year period.
I first met Paul Ward back in 1996, just two years after he launched his organic business. With my Fruition Group colleague Graham we visited Paul hoping to arrange a supply of Organic apples to Waitrose who were a 'high profile' customer with a determination to support 'home grown organic produce'
Our relationship has continued and I have watched Paul build his business into the biggest organic apple farming business in the UK with 110 hectares of organic production. Mole End Farms is by nature 'a labour hungry operation' with circa 50 personnel (Trustees)
History
Mole End Farms Ltd was the brainchild of Paul Ward and Sara Rowan who, in 1994, decided that the time was right for a complete career change. Passionate believers in organics, they bought Mole End Farm in Chart Sutton and became the sole directors of Mole End Farms Ltd. This was followed by the purchase of Hartley Lands Farm at Cranbrook which they proceeded to convert to Soil Association organic standards and gradually over the years further holdings and organic orchards have been added.
In June 2017, after a long period of thought, deliberation and soul searching, Sara Rowan decided that the time was right to leave the business to pursue new challenges. Sara is an accomplished artist and had several commissions that she had been asked to do - she also hoped that weather permitting, she would have more time to ride her beloved Harley!
Mole End Farms grows top fruit organically on approximately 110 Hectares across 8 sites in Kent at Cranbrook, Marden, Goudhurst, Sandhurst and Chart Sutton. We grow, store, pack and market our own produce.
Mole End Farms is the biggest Organic Top Fruit Farm in the UK
As of 25th November 2025, Mole End Farms Ltd is now an Employee Owned Trust!!!
Last week I visited Paul Ward at Mole End Farm Storage and Packing complex at Hartley Lands Farm at Cranbrook where Paul explained the reasons for 'transitioning his business' after 34 years of independent ownership?
As we sat in his office with a welcome cold drink, he said, "what do you want to know?"
WHY an Employee Owned Trust? I asked? - "To maintain the security of the business and secure succession , good local customer base, strong market Paul replied!
Paul said' I am getting older, nearing retirement and this gives me an opportunity to ensure personal security in my future and at the same time maintain the future of Mole End Farms and secure the members of the Trust who will have the opportunity to prosper as the all have an interest in driving the business forward,
Invest in equipment, stores and packing facilities, make jobs more secure. Our customer base is RIVERFORD and all other Organic outlets.
Employee Owned Trust
Structure.
Paul Ward retains 44% - 56% sold to the Employee Trust - financed by TRIODOS Bank who have a long history of ethical investment in businesses who are trying to maintain and improve the environment.
Readers can access al elements of MEFET via Mole End Farms Employee Owned Trust The English Apple Man 'draws on' extracts rom the website and my input from knowledge of Paul Ward and Mole End Farms
At this point in our conversation, James Langley-Hunt joined us; James is Farm & Business Director & CEO.
Below: James Langley-Hunt
We further discussed the structure of the business, There are 4 elected directors, and an independent Chairman.
The board is elected by the Trustees. James is CEO and responsible for the farm and business management. Paul role as a director is very much a mentor to the directors and the trustees.
Mole End Farms Ltd became an Employee Owned Trust (EOT) in November 2025. This succession planning was seen as providing the most stable future for the business and sees the majority shareholding held by the EOT, which operates solely for the benefit of those employed at the farm.
An EOT is managed by trustees. In our case, the Trustee is a new company 'MEFEOT’ which has 4 trustee directors. These directors manage what the EOT does but this is a largely administrative task focused on holding the MEF board accountable for the way they manage the business. The trustee directors act collectively and have a duty to ensure that the interests of the EOT are looked after.
Below: Sarah Calcutt
The 4 trustee directors are Paul Ward, James Langley-Hunt, elected employee trustee, Jarek Bakiera and independent trustee, Sarah Calcutt. Sarah is not an employee or part of the management team so she is the person best placed to challenge the MEF board and make sure we are genuinely operating for the long term benefit of the employees.
Whilst the EOT does not interfere in the day-to-day running of MEF, the EOT wants to be sure that MEF continues to be commercially successful, financially viable and is developing a culture where employees "think, feel and act" like owners. The typical way for an EOT to check whether these requirements are being met is by its trustees meeting with the directors / management team of MEF several times a year and asking them to report on areas such as finance, operations, culture, future plans, risks etc. so that the trustees have confidence in the way the business is being run.
Independent trustee, Sarah Calcutt has a wealth of farming experience and we are delighted she agreed to be a part of our Mole End Farm EOT board.
Our Produce
Our organic fruit production uses a minimal number of approved natural products for the control of both disease and pests.
Mole End Farms has a long history of high ethical standards!
Truly ethical and sustainable long-term fruit farming
Certified organic by the Soil Association
Mole End Farms has been certified organic by the Soil Association from the very beginning of its journey. Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilisers, as the principles of organic farming are based on nourishing plants naturally, by building fertile soils. It combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment.
The Mole End Farms Website reveals a comprehensive list of the ethical and environmental certification.
Below: A few images of Mole End Farms orchards
Below a link to my visit in October 2025 the crop Paul declares is the heaviest he has ever grown.
That is all for this week
Take care
The English Apple Man