Providing evidence of a farm’s commitment to environmental sustainability is becoming increasingly important and a LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) accreditation can help farms tap into premium markets, writes Katie Hilton, associate at Cheffins Rural Professionals.
A cohort of growers in East Anglia have established long-term relationships with Jordans Dorset Ryvita to supply produce such as oats, rye, wheat and barley on contract on the basis it meets the demands of the brand’s sustainability values.
Other notable examples are vegetable and salad growers in the region supplying M&S and Waitrose because they demonstrate the supermarket’s high standards of corporate responsibility and sustainability practices.
I was fortunate enough to take part in a LEAF training event recently which focused on the different aspects of Integrated Farm Management that sits within its LEAF Marque Standard, including soil health, water management and energy efficiency.
The event was hosted by EW Davies Farms Ltd at The Hydes, near Thaxted, one of a network of LEAF demonstration farms and innovation centres. EW Davies Farms is well chosen as an exemplar as it is an inspiring example of how to implement the standards to improve your business.
The farm has genuinely integrated approach, with the business recently introducing grass leys and livestock into its long-term arable rotation to help build natural fertility and tackle problem weeds. It makes use of Countryside Stewardship schemes to help towards meeting its LEAF accreditation principles. Concentrating wildlife habitat options on lower-yielding areas, or in areas where they can have an agronomic benefit, makes good business sense as well as bringing about positive improvements to farmland biodiversity.
LEAF was traditionally associated with vegetable production, but its reach has undoubtably stretched to the combinable crop sector and beyond. Its Integrated Farm Management very much takes a whole-farm approach and stimulates businesses to scrutinise every aspect of operations.
The online management tool for self-assessment makes it easy for members to monitor performance, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and set targets for improvements across the business. Cost savings and reduced carbon footprint – a topic gaining evermore momentum in our industry – are an almost certain by-product of such a level of in-depth scrutiny. The tool also helps to document the aims and objectives of the farm business, collating information in one place and enabling a cohesive look at data for use in benchmarking.
LEAF’s network of Demonstration Farms and Innovation Centres act to facilitate knowledge generation and exchange between growers and can be a useful tool for developing channels of communication between farmers, suppliers and consumers. Certainly, there is a strong emphasis on community engagement notably through LEAF’s Open Farm Sunday event.
The LEAF Marque Standard may not be for everyone. While some years ago we saw a £15 per tonne premium applied to oilseed rape for AtlasFarm members whose farms were certified as LEAF Marque, under an alliance with ADM, initiatives such as this do not look set to return anytime soon.
Ultimately, it depends on the value – economic or otherwise - individual businesses think they can gain from accreditation, but it certainly has its place in leading both conventional and organic farmers alike towards delivering more sustainable food and farming.