Fife Buffalo farmer and star of the BBC’s This Farming Life, Steve Mitchell, has reached a staggering £556,000 of his £800,000 buffalo mozzarella crowdfunding goal, with just under a fortnight to go until the target must be met.

Steve’s ambition to provide Scotland with its first ever home-produced buffalo mozzarella started not long after the herd of buffalo arrived at his farm.

Gordon Ramsay visited Steve and together they made a trial batch, giving Steve the determination to supply Scotland’s foodies with their own delicious buffalo mozzarella.

Steve, the sixth generation of the Mitchell family to farm in Fife, is seeking support from foodies from across Scotland to help him secure the final chunk of funding he needs to turn a dream into reality.

Crowdfunding campaign

Steve is offering supporters of his crowdfunding campaign, called the ‘Founders Club’, the chance to secure rewards comparable to a 10% return on investment, delivered in ‘buffalo vouchers’, farm tours, a plaque in the factory, and even the chance to name a buffalo.

The ambitious crowdfunding target of £800,000 will enable Steve to build a manufacturing facility, milking parlour and slurry store.

Steve said he was “extremely grateful” to everyone who had already supported the venture.

“Producing buffalo mozzarella has been a long-held dream of mine and it’s now so close I can almost taste it,” he said.

“I am so grateful to all those who have shown their support so far, either by donating or by helping to spread the word.

The social benefits of getting involved, such as farm tours and the chance to name a buffalo, have so far proven to be just as popular as the financial incentives. People seem really keen to see us succeed and that’s so encouraging.

“In these current political times, I feel more passionate than ever about local food and drink and about being able to contribute to my local community, as well as to the wider Scottish food and drink industry, by producing home-grown buffalo meat and, once we hit target, buffalo mozzarella.

“My business not only places animal welfare at the very top of the agenda, but we are also proud to provide local jobs and help towards Scotland’s strong foodie reputation.”