A FIFE farmer has launched a crowdfunding campaign with the aim of turning his buffalo mozzarella dreams into reality.

Steve Mitchell, who starred in the BBC’s This Farming Life, wants to provide Scotland with its first ever home-produced buffalo mozzarella, at the same time giving founding investors a 10% return on their investment.

“We run three butchers shops, an event catering business, our own bistro and we also supply into a growing number of hotels and restaurants – and feedback has always been fantastic,” said Mitchell.

“However, I have always felt that something is missing and so now the time is right to launch this crowdfunding Founders Club so that we can give our customers access to their first soft, smooth and deliciously Scottish mozzarella.”

Mitchell has been rearing and nurturing his buffalo herd since 2005, providing the unique meat to Scotland’s foodies.

He is now turning his attention to making buffalo mozzarella and offering supporters of his newly launched crowdfunding campaign the chance to secure rewards comparable to a 10% return on their investment.

These will be delivered in the form of buffalo vouchers, in addition to a host of other benefits.

With an ambitious crowdfunding target of £800,000, which will be used to build a manufacturing facility, milking parlour and slurry store, new or existing fans of The Buffalo Farm can get involved by pledging via one of three tiers.

Donations of £100 will see patrons’ names put on the wall of the new production facility, while those who invest £1000 or £10,000 will receive rewards equivalent in value to a 10% and 12% annual return respectively.

“My plans will create up to six new jobs and produce a quality and delicious product,” added Mitchell.

“There is a current UK market of £79 million and a 12% year-on-year growth within the mozzarella market and so I strongly believe that Scotland needs a quality home produced alternative to imported mozzarella.”

“The funny thing is that if I had a pound for every time that someone has asked me if I would make mozzarella, I wouldn’t need to be crowdfunding at all!”

For more information go to www.thebuffalofarm.co.uk.