# Culinary Eco-Resorts Richard Branson Launches Field-to-Fork Virgin Spa at Natirar By Katie Cordrey | Published 2009-07-04 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/richard-branson-virgin-spa-natirar References: [nj](http://www.nj.com/reporter/index.ssf/2009/07/farmtofork_effort_launched_at.html) & [treehugger](http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/07/richard-branson-opens-farm-to-fork-eco-resort-in-nj.php) Richard Branson drove a tractor as part of the opening ceremony for ‘The Culinary Center at Natirar’ which is due to open in September at the 90-acre [Virgin Spa Resort](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-clubhouse) in Somerset County, New Jersey. The carriage house will be remodeled for the center and was part of the estate previously owned by the King of Morocco. Sustainable agriculture for the [field-to-fork restaurant](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-neos) will include a working farm and expertise from Sterling College. Natirar was built by Kate Macy and Walter Graham Ladd in the 1990s. The restaurant will be open to the public. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 47% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Sustainable Agriculture:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include developing new farming technologies and techniques that minimize environmental impact while maximizing food production. - **Farm-to-table Dining:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include creating platforms or services that connect farmers directly with restaurants and consumers, streamlining the supply chain and ensuring fresher and more sustainable food options. - **Luxury Eco-tourism:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include designing and implementing eco-friendly resorts that offer immersive experiences in nature and prioritize sustainability in their operations. ### Who This Affects Most - **Hospitality:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include integrating sustainable practices into hotel operations, such as energy-efficient systems and sustainable food sourcing. - **Agriculture:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include leveraging technology to improve farming efficiency, automate processes, and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture. - **Restaurants/food Service:** Disruptive innovation opportunities include adopting farm-to-table approaches, using locally sourced ingredients, and implementing sustainable practices throughout the supply chain. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Revitalized Culinary Efforts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/moroccos-food-localization.md) - [Fast-Casual Modern Resort Restaurants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-resort-restaurant.md) - [Five-Course Vegan Dinners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alexis-gauthier.md) - [Culturally Layered Resort Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kingfisher-pacific-resort.md) - [Chef-Led Institutional Food Services](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/anne-burrell.md) - [Extended Immersive Farm Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/frnterra-farm.md) - [Seed Oil-Free Hotel Kitchens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zero-acre-farms.md) - [Natural Surrounding Luxe Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wildflower-farms.md) - [Luxe Tented Biophilic Resorts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/naviva.md)