Although the newly opened Forage Farm Shop and Kitchen is an impressive modern setting, traditional farming values remain at its core.

Just a short drive from Cowbridge town, you'll find the indoor shop, selling a large range of predominantly Welsh, high-quality produce.

"So, while you can get your everyday goods, like meat, milk and other dairy, there are also some niche and higher end items," said Tom Homfray.

"The overwhelming theme is as local produce as possible, preferably from the Vale of Glamorgan or South Wales.

"Anything we can't find in Wales of the right quality, does come from over the border in England. I would like to think that up to 70% of the goods come from Wales," he said.

Not only does the majority of products come from Wales: the shop's focus to sell meat, vegetables and eggs produced on the farm by its own livestock managers and arable operators.

"I think this year more than any has shown the importance of shopping local," said Tom.

"We all remember the panic buying at the beginning of the first lockdown and with Brexit lurking in the background, it's really important to make sure we have robust local supply chains.

"We need to make sure that we support local economies and businesses. Now more than ever we're seeing the importance of that local community support," he said.

Another aspect of community support at Forage Farm is the crafters' market, which ran from 12-20 December.

"A couple of months ago we just thought how nice it would be to do something for local artisan craftspeople and hold a Christmas market," said Tom.

"It's been a pretty bleak time, and they might not have been able to attend the usual fairs throughout the year.

"We didn't charge for any of the stalls. We can put these events on safely in our marquee, so why not do something for the local community?

"We've got a really diverse range of local craftspeople: stone carvers, jewellery makers, painters, it's a real hodgepodge.

"It makes you realise how much talent is hidden away on your doorstep, and it's a pleasure to see them getting a bit of exposure.

"It's also a chance for our customers to feel the Christmas spirit," he said

Forage Farm also has its own seasonal shop, full trinkets, decorations, and stocking fillers. But the festivities almost didn't happen.

"Back in September it was a bit of a stick or twist moment: do we commit to buying a load of Christmas stock to have a lovely festive offering, or will everything be shut down?" said Tom.

"Mercifully we have been able to do some trade. It's nice to keep a bit of the festive cheer going.

"This space sells everything from Christmas decorations to high quality biscuits and cakes.

"There are some local craft beers, trinkets and candles produced as near as Ystradowen, and a selection of stocking fillers and gifts," he said.

Five people are allowed in the Christmas shop at one time, allowing for a steady flow of customers to make their way through.

"Customer safety is the number one, and like many businesses we're just trying to make enough revenue to keep the lights on, so we can all keep a bit of Christmas cheer," said Tom.

"Truth be told if we break even this year, it will be a roaring success.

"Back in August, we had a great month. But looking back, most months have been a struggle to break even.

"With a business like this, you have large overheads like stock purchasing.

"It's fragile from a cash flow perspective, especially when you've only just launched. Any interruption can really set you back," he said.

But it's not all doom and gloom: Forage Farm has proven to be popular and successful even with lockdowns and ever-changing restrictions.

"We're really proud to have launched during a pandemic. We're thrilled with everyone we've got working here, just in this business alone we employ twenty people full time," said Tom.

"To be able to keep paying people to work here has been a great pleasure.

"And, to hear how well the business has been received by the local community, because people have enjoyed coming here for tea, coffee, lunch or to shop, is fantastic.

"It's heartening in a pretty dispiriting year," he said.