News / farming
The refugee-owned farming business with dreams to expand
Ali used to work on a large farm in his native Syria where he grew a range of traditional vegetables along with wheat and barley.
Since fleeing the war in his country and finding refuge in Bristol, he found himself missing farm life and wanted to put his green thumbs to good use again.
The new north Bristol resident volunteered on a plot of land for two years to build on his knowledge of the UK land and climate.
He then set up his own business in 2022 called Rocketman, with help from refugee-led social enterprise ACH.
Ali began by growing and selling rocket from a plot of land at Sims Hill Shared Harvest – a community-supported agriculture cooperative based in Frenchay.
Ali set up his business, Rocketman and began by growing and selling rocket from Sims Hill Shared Harvest – photo: ACH
Since setting up his business, Ali has built up a customer base, and now grows radish, spinach, chard, beetroot, coriander, and cabbage.
Ali does not use any pesticides nor additives in his farming process.
A JustGiving page has been set up to raise funds for Ali to buy and install a 27ft wide polytunnel which will allow him to grow vegetables all year around for the Bristol market and allow his business to flourish.
So far, almost £2k has been raised of the £5,422 target.
“In Syria I planted wheat and barley and I had another small section for me and my family where we grew our own vegetables”, Ali explained.
“We left Syria because of the war and came to Bristol a few years ago.
“I really enjoy farming and I am now hoping to continue being a farmer here in Bristol.
“I started up Rocketman, selling fresh vegetables without any pesticides and additives.
“I hope to expand by building a polytunnel which will allow me to grow all year round. Please support my dream and share with your friends.”
“I hope to expand by building a polytunnel which will allow me to grow all year round.” – photo: ACH
Ali has been supported by ACH through its migrant business support project.
ACH, Sims Hill Shared Harvest, his business mentor Hilary Green and Avon Wildlife Trust all supported Ali in getting his business off the ground.
Ali is keen to partner with restaurants in Bristol which are looking for sustainable, ethical and locally grown produce.
If you would like to contact Ali, you can do so by emailing: business.support@ach.org.uk
Or, to donate to his JustGiving page click here.
All photos: ACH
Read next:
- The flower farmer planting seeds of hope
- The fight continues to save Bristol’s last working farm
- ‘Starting up my own business has helped me feel integrated within my community’
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