Matthews Cotswold Flour, based in Shipton under Wychwood, has partnered with a select group of local farmers that have embraced regenerative farming techniques that aim to restore and improve soil health and biodiversity. Using grains from these farms, Matthews Cotswold Flour has created the UK’s first All Purpose Regenerative White Flour. It is set to become a must-have cupboard staple that won’t cost the earth.
Bertie Matthews, Managing Director, explains the significance of the farming methods used to produce this unique flour: “The grain used in our new All Purpose Flour comes from farms which have been implementing a host of regenerative practices for a number of years. Regenerative Agriculture is a term that refers to a farming model of growing food that protects and improves soil health, biodiversity, water retention and quality. Farmers use a host of practices including, but not limited to, reducing soil disturbance, implementing wide crop diversity, integrating livestock, maintaining living routes and protecting the soil surface.”
One of the local farmers involved, Ed Horton, explains: “Our farm works as a holistic system. Each aspect of it gives something back, whether that is adding organic matter and sequestering carbon in the soil, increasing biodiversity by the creation of habitats, protecting and improving water quality in the three rivers that run through us, the production of nutrient dense food for consumers in the form of grains, pulses, oilseeds, bulbs and meat. All of these things work together to create a benefit for all. As owners of the land I have always been brought up to know that we are only guardians of it for our generation and that it should be passed to the next in a better state than we took it on.”
Bertie continues: “Our new All Purpose Regenerative White Flour is a flour that we have produced using wholly regeneratively farmed grains and yet we are able to sell it at a competitive price that makes it affordable for all, unlike many other sustainable products that unfortunately come at a premium. It is strong enough to make basic breads, especially breads that prove in a tin, but also soft enough to make more delicate bakes such as cakes, pastries and biscuits. It is a great option in the ongoing cost of living crisis as it allows for a more diverse range of recipes from just one bag of regeneratively farmed flour.”
Bertie adds: “We believe it is the duty of all food producers to move to a regenerative sourcing model. For years British farmers have been incorporating these practices and making real tangible change to the landscape. It is now the turn of food producers, millers and bakers to play their part and get these incredible products into people’s homes. A huge thanks goes out to our network of dedicated regenerative farmers, Tesco for being the first UK retailer to list a RegenAg product and the bakers of Britain making a positive change to their baking with this great flour.”
Matthews Cotswold Flour is committed to supporting regenerative food sources, developing an unparalleled range of top quality, award-winning, products and inspiring, educating and partnering with the nation’s artisan and home bakers. The new All Purpose Regenerative White Flour is available directly from Matthews Cotswold Flour’s website www.cotswoldflour.com as well as Tesco RRP £2.20 for 1.5kg.
For more information visit www.cotswoldflour.com or follow @CotswoldFlour on Instagram or Facebook.
