A podded history of Fen Peas
Fen Peas began in 1968 when four Boston-area farmers joined forces to form a growers' cooperative, cultivating 600 acres of peas processed locally and supplied to JS Frozen Foods.
1970s & 80s
Through the 1970s and 80s, the cooperative grew steadily - in membership, acreage, and equipment. By 1989, Fen Peas had expanded to 2,500 acres across 18 growers, with Stephen Francis stepping in to lead the company full time.
1990s
The 1990s brought challenges across the pea industry, with several groups ceasing operations. Fen Peas used this period as an opportunity to grow, welcoming new growers and customers and emerging stronger than ever. That momentum continued throughout the 2000s.
Today
Fen Peas farms over 5,000 acres with 82 growers - a mix of longstanding partners and newer members, some joining from former groups such as Rochford Tower Viners, Deeping Peas, and West Fen Peas. Harvesting is carried out by three modern machines, and our primary customer is Greenyard Frozen Foods UK.
