The Start of a Milestone Year

The start of the New Year at Darts Farm always feels like both a breath and a rush. We pause for a brief moment to reflect on the festive whirlwind - squeezing in some time off with the kids if I can - before we jump back into action.

This year we have an extra spring in our step, as we’re celebrating a very special milestone for us - our 55^th anniversary.

It all began in 1971 when our father, Ronald Dart, first began selling our farm produce direct to the local community from a small roadside hut called Picfresh - one of the country’s very first pick-your-own and farm shops.

Dad sadly passed away in 1982, when we were still young, but he had planted the seeds for a vision of selling our own produce direct to the community. When James and I returned home, we set about creating a local food hub centred around our own working farm - run by our older brother Paul - but also an outlet for other amazing local food producers. We wanted to create more than just a shop, but an experience. We had a vision for somewhere you could spend the day; restaurants championing food from the farm, beautiful home and lifestyle spaces and other specialist retailers who shared our values - with this dream, Darts Farm was born.

Now, the third generation is joining in, with three of my children - George, Maddy, and Josie - and Paul’s son, Jack, all becoming part of this family journey.

Over more than half a century, farming and food have changed beyond recognition, yet our values - a love of great produce, community, and sustainability - remain as strong as ever.

As we step into our 55th anniversary year, we’re looking forward to celebrating and making memories with you, our loyal customers and our supplier friends.

Festivities really begin in the Spring, when we launch our first ever Tulip Festival. Jack and our farm team planted over 350,000 tulips back in November, which will bloom in April. If all goes to plan, we will have a sea of vibrant colour overlooking the Exe Estuary, with lots of family entertainment and fun. Then in June, we’ll be hosting a big 55 Year Festival - imagine incredible food, live music, cookery demos, guest-chef feasts, wellness escapes, thought-provoking speakers and lots of fun family activities. There will also be much more going on throughout the year, so keep your eyes peeled for announcements. Not forgetting all of the annual events you know and love.

Throughout this special year, we will share our stories; reflecting on how food and farming has evolved over the decades, celebrating the wonderful people who’ve been part of our journey and announcing some very special anniversary highlights.

Here’s to 55 years!

Darts Farm

The Start of a Milestone Year

Posted in The Farm, News, Supporting Local on 01 Jan 2026

Michael Dart

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