Archie's Veg and Eggs celebrates first year of farm business

Just over a year ago, aged just six, Archie Morris, launched Archie’s Veg and Eggs with the help of his parents in Cressing, selling vegetables and eggs to neighbours.

Mum Jodie said: “He had five chickens and a big dream – to save every penny and one day buy his own land.

“Fast forward 12 months, and that small idea has grown into something quite special.”

Farmer - Archie started his business at just six years old selling eggs and vegetables to neighbours (Image: Jodie Morris)

What started with five chickens has now grown to more than 100 chickens, plus ducks, geese, turkeys and eight beehives on 3.5 acres of land he rents with his family’s help.

Archie, now seven, also has 9.1k followers on Facebook.

Along the way he has met local business owners, mentors, supporters, and farming heroes, and learned tough lessons after setbacks which have only boosted his confidence and determination.

Grown - What started with five chickens has now grown to more than 100 chickens, plus ducks, geese, turkeys and eight beehives (Image: Jodie Morris)

Hero - Archie was invited backstage at farming star Kaleb Cooper's show in Southend, where he got to meet his hero (Image: Jodie Morris)

His ambitions have grown as quickly as his flock. Archie now dreams of opening a farm shop which supports other local farmers, as well as creating an outdoor learning space for children who thrive with hands-on education.

Earlier this year he launched ‘Archie’s Veg and Eggs: Growing Young Minds’, an initiative backing outdoor education.

Shop - Archie celebrated the first year of his business with a pop-up farm shop in Lisa at Holts, Witham (Image: Jodie Morris)

Proud - Archie, wearing his own T-shirt, gave gift bags to the first 50 customers containing wildflower seeds (Image: Jodie Morris)

To celebrate the first year of his business, Archie held a pop-up farmers’ market at Lisa at Holts, in Witham High Street, selling his veg and eggs.  

“The response from the community was incredible,” said mum Jodie. “The support was overwhelming and he loved chatting to everyone.

“There was even a queue forming by 11am of people waiting to see him.”

Archie handed out party bags to the first 50 visitors, each containing wildflower seeds to plant for bees, and personally thanked visitors with a handshake.

Thankful - Archie's business has a table for his produce in Lisa at Holts (pictured) and notebook for customers to write messages to him (Image: Jodie Morris, Archie's Veg and Eggs)

The Morris family are grateful to supporters such as Lisa at Holts.

“As parents, we’re simply trying to support our son in following his dreams, and it’s been amazing to see how many people have got behind him,” said Jodie.

“If he can achieve this in just a year, I am so excited to see what another year will bring.”

To follow Archie’s journey, visit the Archie’s Veg and Eggs Facebook page.