Paul Sousek of Cottage Farm, one of first truly sustainable and resilient organic farms powered by renewable energy, has been shortlisted in the final three of this year's national BBC Food and Farming Awards in the sustainable Farmer of the Year Category and as such will shortly be making an appearance on Radio4 and also on television in the BBC Country File program.

Cottage Farm have cut their carbon emissions by 110% (no, not a misprint!), by reducing energy consumption and by generating more energy than they need to run the house, to run the farm, to drive and to deliver their farm produce to their customers, which they sell locally. The energy systems used on the farm include Solar Thermal panels, Heat Store, wood burner with boiler, PV panels, wind turbine, bore hole water and even home made bio-diesel from waste vegetable oil.

Paul says: 'As a result our native rare breed, grass fed, Red Ruby meat is not only great tasting, tender and organic but also carbon-neutral, and considerably cheaper then meat from butchers or supermarkets. After all, we have cut out all the middlemen and our energy bills are near zero. In addition, our energy resilience means we will be able to continue producing and delivering food regardless of how high future energy costs will be'

Cottage Farm, as members of www.SuperHomes.org.uk  runs Open Days where visitors can learn about the motivations, the general principles and the practical steps taken to achieve such major cuts in carbon emissions and in energy costs. This is followed by a practical hands on, touch and feel tour of the house and the many energy measures installed, as well as a farm walk. For more information please visit www.TransitionNC.org (click on Food Producers Directory and look up Cottage Farm) or email Cottage.Farm@tiscali.co.uk.