FIFE BUFFALO farmer and reality TV star, Steve Mitchell, has been successful in his attempt to raise £800,000 worth of crowdfunding to finance a buffalo mozzarella business start up.

Mr Mitchell, who was one of the participants in the BBC's ‘This Farming Life’ series, used that public profile to promote his 'dream' of providing Scotland with its first-ever home-produced buffalo mozzarella, and making the business as environmentally sustainable as possible. The crowdfunding target of £800,000 was set to help cover the costs of building a manufacturing facility, milking parlour and slurry store, as an adjunct to his existing Buffalo Farm.

“Producing buffalo mozzarella has been on my list of priorities and dreams for years and I am over the moon that it will now become a reality," said Mr Mitchell. “I am also overwhelmed by the amount of support that we have received. Without those businesses and individuals who have contributed within the Founders Club and crowdfund, we would not be able to take the next step in our journey.

“Whilst there are many strings to the buffalo bow, never a day goes by when I don’t think about how I can make sure that my business can make the most positive possible contribution to community and sustainability," he added. "I believe that this has helped to encourage people to support my business.

“Local provenance is becoming increasingly important to many people for political, environmental and taste reasons and I look forward to producing the very best Scottish mozzarella for my customers to enjoy."