Ploughshares began, as it continues to this day, with a handful of friends philosophising about how human beings sustain themselves biologically with specific regard to nutrition, detoxification, agronomy, food production, culinary practice and a respect for life.  Throughout their process of enquiry the Ploughshares team has given expression to their findings through various projects outlined below:

1983

Set up a land based experimental centre exploring non-animal, bio-dynamic food production

1984

Published a guide to the preservation, storage and assimilation of vitamins and minerals

1986-1997

Opened the first vegan organic restaurant, nominated for Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year.  Contracted for large scale location catering events.  Expanded to manufacturing of healthy convenience foods for national distribution

1988

Undertook research and development into the extraction of leaf proteins in partnership with a Devon farmer and a charity operating in the Third World.  This food, derived from indigenous green matter, has a nutritional profile far exceeding that of meat, fish, eggs, beans or milk.  This technology is being used today in Third World pilot schemes as a proven malnutrition solution.  The project attracted national TV and radio coverage on the News, the BBC Food programme and the Natural History programme as well as gaining approval in an independent report funded by the Department of Trade and Industry

1992

Designed the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) for non-animal and special diet cuisine in conjunction with the Hotel Catering Training Board.  Since then Ploughshares has trained numerous individuals, professional chefs and organisations such as the Bristol Cancer Self Help Centre.

2000-2002

Contracted by Liverpool City Council to raise the nutritional status of children in care and secure units.

1998 to present 

Established the Fisher King Centre as a residential detoxification retreat centre.  The first of its kind in the UK, the centre offers six day cleansing retreats working on digestive disorders and detoxification of the intestinal tract, liver and lymphatic systems.