Sharpham Dairy, an award-winning cheesemaker in Devon, UK, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $82,000 for sustainability initiatives. The funds will support renewable energy adoption, water recycling systems, and efficiency improvements in cheesemaking. Owners Greg and Nicky Parsons aim to make the dairy more environmentally friendly while continuing to produce high-quality artisan cheese.
Sharpham Dairy, a renowned artisan cheesemaker based in Devon, UK, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise $82,000 (approximately £65,000) to invest in renewable energy and water recycling systems. Owners Greg and Nicky Parsons are encouraging supporters to “Join the Herd” in their mission to make cheesemaking more sustainable.
The funds will be allocated toward transitioning to solar power ($38,000), implementing water recycling systems ($32,000), and upgrading cheese production equipment ($25,000). This initiative is part of the dairy’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint while maintaining the high-quality cheese that has made it a household name.
Greg and Nicky took over Sharpham Dairy in July 2019, inheriting a legacy of fine cheesemaking. However, shortly after their acquisition, the pandemic created unforeseen challenges, including plummeting sales and the loss of a planned relocation site at Dartington Estate. Despite these setbacks, Sharpham Dairy has experienced significant growth, culminating in its best-ever Christmas season in 2025 and a successful move to larger premises near Totnes.
The brand continues to garner accolades, recently being featured in celebrity chef James Martin’s latest book and ITV1 show, as well as earning the title of Best Overall in The Standard newspaper’s Best British Cheeses Guide.
Greg Parsons highlighted the importance of supporting local and independent food producers, stating,
If people believe in the future of British artisan cheesemaking, this is their chance to contribute and help build a more sustainable food industry.”
Supporters of the crowdfunding campaign will receive cheese-related rewards ranging from $25 to $2,500, including exclusive cheese-making experiences, tours, and tasting events with Greg and drinks writer Susy Atkins.
Sharpham Dairy, the UK’s first B Corp-certified cheese dairy, continues to push the boundaries of sustainability in the industry. Their “Curd is the Word” crowdfunding campaign invites cheese lovers and sustainability advocates alike to be part of this transformative initiative.
