Mossgiel Farm, a historic Scottish dairy linked to poet Robert Burns, is launching a $370,000 crowdfunding campaign to fund a zero-waste facility. This initiative aims to enhance organic milk accessibility while challenging large dairy corporations.
Mossgiel Farm, a historic Scottish dairy with ties to the famous poet Robert Burns, is launching a $370,000 crowdfunding campaign to support its ambitious zero-waste expansion plans. The initiative aims to combat the dominance of large dairy corporations while making organic, sustainable milk more accessible, especially in the London market.
Bryce Cunningham, who has owned and operated Mossgiel Farm since 2015, is leading this endeavor. The farm, once owned by Burns and famously referenced in his poem “To a Mouse,” is at the forefront of a movement to challenge the traditional dairy industry’s practices. Cunningham expressed concerns over the impact of large dairy operations on small-scale farmers, stating, “For too long, big dairy has driven down prices and margins, devaluing milk through over-processing and commoditization. We are not afraid to challenge these practices, much like Rabbie Burns did in his time.”
The upcoming crowdfunding campaign, set to launch on Crowdcube, is part of a broader $1.1 million investment strategy. Mossgiel Farm aims to secure the remaining funds from private investors and financial institutions. Since transitioning to organic farming, the farm has seen significant growth, achieving annual revenues of $2.5 million with a 30% year-over-year increase. Currently, Mossgiel produces 1.5 million liters of organic milk each year.
Sustainability and animal welfare are core principles of Mossgiel’s operations. The farm practices natural calf-rearing and has eliminated single-use plastics, opting for glass bottles instead. “We want to give people the opportunity to join us in reshaping the future of farming in Scotland and beyond,” Cunningham added. He emphasized that ethical and transparent farming practices can provide solutions to the challenges posed by industrial dairy.
Mossgiel Farm’s innovative approach not only seeks to expand its production capacity but also aims to redefine the standards of dairy farming in Scotland, promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of industrial competition.
