Innovative project at Moray carrot firm will lead to growth

Family-run firm, AA Carrots Ltd grows carrots on 400 acres of land around Moray and Aberdeenshire, of which around half is organic.

The company was established in 2006 and currently employs nine permanent roles and around 50 seasonal posts.

It has secured up to £60,000 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards total project costs of £150,000.

The company has invested in advanced processing machinery to enhance production efficiency, particularly in weeding, reducing the need for weedkiller and manual weeding, resulting in improved crop quality, higher yields and increased productivity.

This will support the company’s ambitions to further enhance their regenerative approach to carrot farming, meet increasing market demand for organic and conventional carrots and reduce the volume of imports to meet consumer demand.

The recent purchase of Scotsburn Farm at Lhandbryde, Moray is key in securing the sustainability of the business and support their ambition for longer term growth.

The project is forecast to support an increase in company turnover, sustain the current workforce and create three new processing jobs.

Keira Orme business development manager with HIE’s Moray team said:

“This part of the country provides ideal environmental growing conditions, allowing AA Carrots to extend the lifespan of their product to supply markets for most of the year. This innovation project will strengthen the company’s position as a major organic and conventional carrot supplier and provider of valuable rural employment.

“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support the project and look forward to continuing to work with the team at AA Carrots.”

Ross Mitchell, farm business manager at AA Carrots, said:

“This innovation will take us to the next step of the ever-increasing technology advancement in farming practises. We’re very much appreciative of HIE’s support and look forward to working with them in the future.”