Hertfordshire Agricultural Research into Victorian Enterprise for a Sustainable Tomorrow (HARVEST)

This project used a remarkable business archive to examine how the past can inform efforts to create more sustainable circular businesses. Most of the material, which is held by Three Rivers Museum, was created by John White (1813–1904) who farmed Parsonage Farm, Rickmansworth for over 60 years and kept a diary for 50 years. The combination of detailed descriptive diaries and the financial information over such a long period (1839-1896) makes the archive an incredibly rich source of historical data. This project involved University staff, students and museum volunteers and help put this material in context. It was supported by an IAA award of £3,950.

Staff and students from the Business School worked with volunteers at Three Rivers Museum to investigate a 19th century farming archive. The impact was a better understanding of John White's farm and a wider appreciation of the lessons that can be applied for modern management, farming and food systems.