Ellie Ferriby and Harley Marshall are two hard-working growers who have transformed their strong work ethic and passion into a successful growing business known as FerMarsh established in 2024. FerMarsh grows and supplies fresh vegetables to the Falkland’s community, helping to meet the increasing demand for locally produced fresh produce.
Ellie and Harley recognised the high demand for fresh vegetables within the Falklands, largely due to the island’s heavy reliance on imported produce and the limited number of businesses supplying fresh vegetables locally. After launching FerMarsh, their passion for growing quickly developed further and driven by the strong demand for their produce, they decided to expand their growing operations.
What began as a hobby soon evolved into a business opportunity, and they were initially offered a couple of polytunnels to trial growing produce, and from there their enthusiasm continued to grow. Motivated to expand, they sourced additional polytunnels to increase production and secured land at Fitzroy through a 10-year lease. This provided the foundation to establish and grow their business in a location with greater space and long-term potential.
Starting with limited experience, Ellie and Harley applied what knowledge they had and dedicated significant time to researching growing techniques and learning how to construct and manage polytunnels themselves. Their long-term aspiration is to one day provide fresh vegetables for the entire Falklands community all year round, reducing the Islands’ reliance on imported produce and ensuring greater access to locally grown food.
While finalising their land lease, Ellie and Harley explored ways to gain support for the business. During this process, they discovered that FIDC offered business advice and financial support, and they secured funding through the Professional Fees Grant, to assist with the costs of professional legal services. .
FerMarsh have appreciated the site visits from members of the team to offer support, from business advice to marketing recommendations. Ellie said, “Clare at FIDC is a friendly face who sis always there, face-to-face or via email, to answer any questions and offer business advice. FIDC has helped and continues to help us whenever we need”
Since then, Ellie and Harley have recently installed two additional polytunnels and continues to work hard to develop FerMarsh and supply fresh vegetables to the Falklands community.
