Marks & Spencer is bringing sustainability to the heart of Christmas this year through a seed to shelf farming partnership with its long standing Brussels sprout supplier Seahills near Arbroath.
The Scottish farm has introduced wildflower planting between sprout rows to boost biodiversity, support pollinators, and naturally manage pests while supplying 100% of M&S hand trimmed sprouts for the festive season.
Seahills, based on Scotland’s east coast near Arbroath, grows the UK’s longest Brussels sprout season, harvesting from early September through to April and May thanks to its coastal climate.
The approach forms part of the M&S Farming for the Future programme under its Plan A for Farming, with Seahills dedicating 20% of its land to nature.
Wildflower strips planted between crops provide habitats for bees, butterflies, ladybirds, and hoverflies, helping improve biodiversity while supporting crop health and yields.
Seahills also measures its environmental footprint through Soil Association Exchange and takes part in soil health training focused on improving soil biology, chemistry, and structure.
The farm is the only Brussels sprout grower in the UK to hand trim every sprout, removing blemishes machines cannot and delivering cleaner produce with longer shelf life.
This labour intensive process gives M&S a clear point of difference at Christmas and ensures consistent quality across its sprout range.
Seahills has worked with the RSPB for more than 10 years, planting seed mixes that have helped increase corn bunting nesting on the land.
Parts of the surrounding coastal cliffs hold triple Site of Special Scientific Interest status and are home to wildlife including puffins and dolphins.
The farm was established by owner Peter Stirling, with Farm Manager Gary Bruce overseeing day to day operations and a two decade partnership with M&S built on shared values.
Gary Bruce said:
“We’re looking at the whole journey from seed onwards, from soil health and biodiversity through to how we harvest and trim every sprout.
“Hand trimming makes a big difference to quality, and the support from M&S means we can keep analysing and improving how we grow our crops for the future.”
Gary Bruce describes the area’s conditions as a Goldilocks climate, with summers that are not too hot and winters that are not too cold.
Research carried out with the James Hutton Institute has shown Seahills sprout varieties have a naturally sweeter profile linked to climate and growing conditions.
December is the busiest period on the farm, with harvest volumes increasing sharply to meet Christmas demand.
Gary Bruce added:
“Brussels sprouts are an important food all year around, not just at Christmas.
“They’re full of vitamins people need, and we want to promote that wherever possible.”
Hary Wilder, Senior Food Technologist for Fresh Produce at M&S, said:
“Christmas at M&S is all about great food, and our long standing exclusive partnership with Seahills continues to deliver a unique product exclusively for M&S.
“This year, we’ve taken that partnership further with Seahills becoming a Farming for the Future Monitor Farm, showing how innovation and responsible farming go hand in hand.”
Seahills was named an M&S Select Farm Unsung Hero last year and continues to focus on soil health, climate resilience, and encouraging healthy diets through sustainable farming.
