News / ACH
Farmer‘s appeal to realise expansion dreams that would secure his future
For Ali Mohamad Al Hlayel, the journey to carving out a successful business in the heart of the city has not been an easy one.
After fleeing war in his home country of Syria, the farmer sought refuge in Bristol in 2017 and soon found ways to put his skills to use.
The father-of-three spent two years volunteering with Windmill Hill City Farm – learning to adapt practices to suit UK conditions here and growing organic produce – before eventually securing a plot of land at Sims Hill Shared Harvest in Frenchay. The land is rented to Ali through Grow Wilder.
There, with the support of refugge support organisation ACH, he has forged a successful business under the name Rocketman and Crowdfunded more than £6,000 to buy a polytunnel, enabling him to grow more produce year-round.
Ali now sells his vegetables to restaurants and shops across Bristol, including Sonny Stores, Root and Bokman. But he has dreams of expanding his operation – a move that would enable him to not only secure the future of his business but offer more opportunities to people such as him who have come to the UK as refugees and want to learn new skills.
He is appealing for help to find a new piece of land, of approximately 5,000 metres, in the city, or on the outskirts with good transport links, to ensure his business can survive and thrive.
Ali needs a bigger plot of land to secure the future of his business and offer more opportunities – photo: ACH
Speaking about his journey, Ali says: “I was so happy when I first got the land and I started working with ACH, who supported me.
“In Syria, I was growing vegetables and wheat and barley across many acres but we used chemicals. Here, in the UK, there is more awareness of health and the benefits of organic food so I found a market for organic produce. I also know that it’s healthier for me and my family – and everyone else – because we avoid using chemicals.”
He says that he is much happier working than claiming benefits and wants to give back to the city that has welcomed him.
“The UK welcomed us as refugees,” says Ali.
“I was so worried about the new country with a different culture and with no family or friends, also I knew nothing about this new community but luckily, I was able to restart my journey as a farmer in the UK.”
He adds: “It’s [farming] is in my nature – I adore the land and I love farming and growing and planting – I can’t live without doing this and I want to give others an opportunity too.
“Even at my home, I have a garden and started growing there – I planted a fig tree when I first came here and now we have started to eat from it.”
Ali grows organic produce that is sold to restaurants across Bristol – photo: ACH
Ali needs land that has transport links within north Bristol or South Gloucestershire. He is open to any contract type. Anyone who might be able to help can contact Ali via [email protected].
Main photo: Ellie Pipe
Read next:
- The refugee-owned farming business with dreams to expand
- The refugee charities bridging borders in Bristol
- Bristol: A city of sanctuary and opportunity
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