LEAF was set up in 1991. At that time, the gap between consumers and farmers was getting wider and the need to meet and understand both sides of the debate was essential. For the first time a group of farmers, environmentalists, food and agricultural organisations, consumers, government and academics got together to do something positive for the farming industry.
They were motivated by a common concern for the future of farming and keen to develop a system of farming which was realistic and achievable for the majority of farmers. Based on work in Germany that had been carried out since 1986, LEAF was established to develop and promote Integrated Farm Management.
Integrated Farm Management - Practical Solutions for the Future
In the last few years there has been much public debate about the role of agriculture and how our food is produced. Concern is often expressed that pesticides and fertilisers are are harmful and that the only way forward is for us to return to organic farming. However, organic farming is not appropriate for all farms (this will be discussed elsewhere in the site) and Integrated Farm Management seems the logical way forward for the majority of farmers.
Integrated
Farm Management (IFM)
Integrated Farm Management is a whole farm system providing efficient and profitable production that is environmentally responsible. IFM works by integrating beneficial natural processes into modern farming techniques and ensures that high standards of stewardship and environmental care are practiced.
LEAF
and the origins of IFM
IFM is the philosophy of LEAF
(Linking Environment And Farming). LEAF is a fast growing organisation
whose members now manage over 10% of UK farmland and include the country's
most progressive and responsible farmers.
How
does IFM work?
IFM provides a set of decision making tools that enable farmers
to integrate their businesses with the environment. At the heart of
this is a comprehensive LEAF Audit that is founded on the following
principles:
Environmental
Care
Practitioners of IFM need to be able to clearly demonstrate
improvement to the quality of soil, water, air, wildlife habitat and
the landscape. The image illustrates an avenue of trees surrounded by
a conservation headland that has been placed through the middle of an
arable field.
Market
Preference
Market demand for quality produce within the context of environmental
care now necessitates proof. Farmers practicing IFM welcome external
scrutiny and work to maintain the highest of international standards.
The fertiliser spreader in the image is being calibrated to ensure accurate
application for best practice.
Political
Priority
IFM offers practical solutions to such problems as global warming
and reduced biodiversity. The image illustrates a farm rotation change
that has lowered fossil fuel usage while providing a new winter habitat
for farmland birds. There has been no associated loss of profitability.
Social
Responsibility
IFM takes an holistic approach to the social responsibility
of farming by providing systems that are both profitable and environmentally
sound. IFM offers quality, affordable food that meets the demands of
a modern society and that recognises those living and working in the
counrtyside. IFM is about sustainable living.
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