Bute Produce  is entering the 2nd year and with infrastructure complete for the 1st  of 3 acres within the 6 acre site, new appointments have been made to deliver a sustainable viable social enterprise by 2011.  Business Manager (Fyne Futures) – Billy Miller,  Horticultural Co-ordinator – Chris Helm, and Horticultural Assistant – Andy Taylor, were appointed in September 2010 to develop the phase 2 plan which will deliver a 6kw Wind Turbine (Nov 2010), 1 acre fruit cage, additional polytunnel, community orchard, and the productive development of the remaining 3 acres of land.

The project is funded for the next 2 years from on site income streams and also supported by European Leader funding, Scottish Government Wider Role, Community Energy Scotland and Argyll and Bute Employability. Mount Stuart Trust has assisted in supporting the project granting a licence for the 2.505 hectares (6.19 acres) of ground adjacent to the New Joint School Campus. Bute Charitable Trust has provided match funding as part of their support for the project, as has Johnny Bute personally. 

The project has integrated positively with many of the Bute community link projects to ensure the social inclusion of all members of the public. 80% of Year 1 trainees were successfully employed within organizations and businesses on Bute and the programme in Year 2 is aiming to train and support and additional 15 trainees on site based on a 13 week work plan schedule. The demand for supply of local fresh produce is growing highlighted by carbon footprint and food miles. The fertile ground allows for the project to work towards organic principles and ensure that in Year 1 a basic crop was available for the community to buy on site, selected retail outlets, local events, farmers market, and local events. The success has brought forward the plans to commence a Green Box scheme by 12 months ahead of schedule and trials will commence late 2009 to evaluate the logistics of the programme due to it’s growing popularity. 2010 will also witness an increase in the volume and range of produce, increased training support and workshops, extended retail outlets, and  a continued community support programme.
The project welcomes all new volunteers and additional membership for the Friends of Bute Produce which is aimed to encourage active interest to support knowledge and social events. Our latest membership aimed at 3-9 year olds is our Ferry Berry Club where our younger members receive a membership pack, quarterly newsletter and dedicated workshops to educate and learn about food miles and the benefits of growing locally. Aided by 4 Ferry Berry characters of Serena Strawberry, Bertie Blackberry, Godfrey Gooseberry, and Rudolf Raspberry, the groups interacts with characters to explore different facts and tasks related to their individual characteristics.