Dr Jed Goodfellow, a senior policy officer at RSPCA Australia, said the society remained opposed to killing of any animal “where the purpose of their death is primarily to produce a non-essential luxury item like fur or skin”. The report said: “Finally, the premium end product, crocodile skins, then often ends up as some of the world’s most expensive and sought-after fashion accessories (handbags, shoes, purses and wallets) being worn in the finest establishments throughout the world with key markets in the United States and Europe.”

Hermès has an animal welfare policy which states: “The group has defined and implemented a very strict, science-based, animal welfare policy. This applies within its direct sphere of responsibility as well as for its external partners, with a specific supply-chain based approach.” Piñata Farms owns a 400-hectare holding in this region. Some 150 hectares has been set aside for mango production. Progressive planting will continue in coming years until all land is under cultivation. . An employee holds a Hermes diamond and Himalayan Nilo Crocodile Birkin handbag at Heritage Auctions offices in Beverly Hills, California. Photograph: Mario Anzuoni/REUTERS Hermès is a very conservative company – it’s them trying to do the right thing. Australia has an excellent reputation for its crocodile management program worldwide.” The warm and humid coastal climate of the Darwin region, which experiences cooler summers and warmer winters than other Top End growing regions by several degrees, promotes earlier mango flowering and fruit set, resulting in an earlier harvest than other regions.

Upon opening up Jetlato for the first time, prepare for the senses to be overwhelmed by a loud and complex nose highlighted by diesel fumes, ripe orange rind and musky lavender, cut by the aroma of a pungent, piney surface cleaner. Grinding the bud up brings out some sweeter notes. Interestingly, after handling this Jetlato, the scent that lingers on the fingers is pure Gelato. Our volunteers are a vital part of Darwin Nurseries. They bring ideas, skills and enthusiasm that are invaluable. Many of the projects we have undertaken would not have been possible without our team of dedicated volunteers. This is a beautiful traditional orchard with many varieties of apples, pears, plums, cherries and gages, some of which are local to Cambridgeshire- plus a small hazel tree plot thatwe coppice every sevenyears. Between May and October, you can also work harvesting melons. Mangoes will also need harvested between October and November.

Prof Grahame Webb, chair of the International Union for Conservation of Nature crocodile specialist group, told the Guardian crocodile farming had helped fund conservation efforts in the region.

Consumers and fashion houses are walking away from animal cruelty as fast as they can,” she said. “It seems foolish to be investing in an industry that is no longer fashionable.” The greenhouse is the hub of activity, especially during spring and summer where you can see us pot on bedding plants, make hanging baskets and sow and grow vegetables for sale. We have strategically selected Darwin as a mango-growing region to extend the start of Honey Gold season and meet consumer demand for quality, Australian mangoes. A small team is employed to develop the Darwin mango farm. Burns did not respond to a request for comment. Guardian Australia sent questions to Hermès and asked to speak to a representative, but did not get a response.

Horticulture has many amazing benefits and we see first-hand how it can transform lives. Physical health can improve through exercise and strengthening muscles and simply making people feel better for being outside. Working with plants, whether in the greenhouse or in the raised beds, is a wonderful way of improving physical and mental health issues. We provide a safe place where our co-workers can develop social and practical skills regardless of their age or disability.

This is our main growing area. All the vegetables we grow here are sold in our shop, Look out for "If we grow it we know it"signs in the shop.We have been working hard to build beds that are easy to manage following the ethos of permaculture. In short,permaculture is an intertwined holistic way of farming. It is the practice of working with, rather than against, nature through thoughtful observation, rather than thoughtless behaviour.