An interview with Anita and Ed Withers on their smallholding near Kelso. 

The Withers raise Oxford Sandy and Black - a rare breed of pig, as well as goats, chickens, bees, fruit and vegetables. Being smallholders was never the plan, but as their operation grew they realised that being responsible for most of what they ate - from planting to harvest, and from birth to death - had changed the way they saw the food system and there was no turning back.

We discuss the value of rare breeds, the challenges of facing life and death as a smallholder, and how to deal with the reactions of school kids when you show them where sausages come from.

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Oxford Sandy and Black Pig Foundation Charity

* visit the website and find out more about the breed Ed and Anita raise

RHET [Royal Highland Educational Trust]

* the educational organisation that aims to get every primary school pupil in Scotland onto a farm. RHET regularly bring groups of school children to Clifton Lodge. Visit their website.

The Rare Breed Survival Trust

* For more information on rare breed livestock and how eating them could save them. See their Scotland website.

Ed and Anita sell their pork to local restaurants and shops in the Scottish Borders.

* You can find out more and message them directly on their Instagram.

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Produced & Presented by Charlotte Maberly

Music by Iain Fraser from his album Koterana

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Thank you to the Borders Food Forum and Abundant Borders for their continued support.

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