AN organic food wholesaler is celebrating this week after opening its new headquarters in Herefordshire.

Meadowland, which supplies customers across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, survived months of planning wrangles to launch its new-look shop near Ross-on-Wye.

The business supplies organic and natural meats, cheeses, butter, eggs, fruit, vegetables, chutneys and preserves - most of which are produced on Herefordshire farms.

Chief executive Patrick McIlroy said the opening of its new base was good news for its 11 workers, the county's farmers and shoppers interested in healthy eating.

The future of Meadowland was threatened when Herefordshire councillors refused planning permission for the move to farm buildings at Phocle Green.

The business appealed and its second application was granted but opening was still delayed due to the council's insistence passing places were installed in the nearby lane.

"The Government has told the farming industry it must adapt and diversify to survive," Mr McIlroy said.

"But our experience has shown just how difficult this can be.

"Now we finally have our new shop and packing centre in an ideal location, we're superbly placed to make deliveries across the Midlands, the South of England and Wales."

He said Herefordshire was Britain's Silicone Valley in terms of organic food production.

"Our move is also good news for farmers," he added.

"The organic foods business is providing a lifeline to an industry in crisis and we're now in a position to expand our service."