The Dealer was fascinated by a recent CNN behind-the-scenes documentary on the agricultural exploits of Pope Francis.

His holiness has a farm at Castel Gandolfo, a 17th century palace on the hills outside Rome that is the traditional summer residence of the pontiff. The 65ac farm is stocked with 30 cows (Holstein Friesian – no crossbreds there, I noted) and planted with a range of fruit and vegetables, including cucumber, cauliflower, cucumber, carrots, courgettes, celery and fennel.

There are more than 1,000 olive trees on the farm, some of which date back to the 13th century.

A basket of fresh farm produce is delivered from Castel Gandolfo to the Vatican every day, which includes a range of vegetables, as well as milk, cheese and yoghurt.

The pope has spoken out about food waste in the past, describing it as like stealing from the poor.

I was delighted to see that Francis practises what he preaches, with his hens being fed on leftover wafer from the communion-making process run by nuns at the palace.