People & place
The Beginnings
How a small Herefordshire farm became Butford Organics
The Beginnings
Janet and Martin moved to Herefordshire in 1999 and set about realising a lifetime's ambition to produce food in a natural, nutritious and environmentally friendly way. This evolved into Butford Organics, a family-owned organic smallholding specialising in cider, perry, and apple juice.
The backbone of Butford Organics is our family team, including our sons Guy and Toby. Guy applies his technical expertise to enhance the digital and operational aspects of our cider-making, while Toby lends his hands-on skills and enthusiasm to the actual crafting of our cider during his uni vacations. Together, they are integral to maintaining the high standards of our organic production.
Why we work this way
We farm organically because it feels like the right way to treat the land and the fruit. It means slower decisions and fewer shortcuts, but it lets wildlife, soil, and trees share the same space. The payoff is fruit with real character — fermented slowly and blended carefully, it gives ciders and perries that are naturally clear, quietly complex, and easy to drink.
We don't believe in intervention in nature's process. Our ciders use only wild yeasts and no added sulphites. We grow our fruit allowing natural predators to keep the trees healthy and bees to pollinate the blossom. And we have our own sustainable wood supply for heating, plus solar panels for electricity.
Our Journey
Key moments from when we started to where we are today
December, 1999
First Trees Planted
Butford Organics was founded on the vision of offering locally sourced, organic produce to the community, and we remain true to our roots as a small, family-run farm dedicated to sustainable farming practices.
January, 2002
Full Organic Accreditation
A huge moment when we were verified as organic farmers. We proudly received our organic certification from the Soil Association, a testament to our dedication to genuine, eco-friendly farming methods.
February, 2007
Perry Pear Orchard
With the planting of our perry pear orchard, we gained the opportunity to expand our perry production significantly. With over 20 varieties of pears now at our disposal, we are able to craft a wide range of distinctive perry flavours.
2011
Cider Tours and Courses
After initiating our cider tour and cider-making courses, we have welcomed hundreds of participants to our farm. We are particularly pleased to have helped a number of attendees to establish their own cider making operations.
2018
Cider Brandy
To broaden our product range, we introduced an exclusive cider brandy. This has proved really popular and is now an integral part of our product portfolio.
2023
Looking to the future
Arriving at the present day, we continue to operate to the highest of our abilities creating organic produce in a sustainable and authentic fashion.
Visit or taste what we grow
Join a tour in the orchards, or have our cider delivered to your door.