Integrated Farm Management Systems — making sustainabilityaccessible to all: the LEAF viewpoint

摘要

With a radical reform of the CAP, farmers are embracing the environmental challenges, but at what cost? As we move towards more sustainable farming systems how do we make the environment pay? Can we truly deliver sustainability hand-in-hand with profitable farming. This paper will look at cost savings and opportunities through: ·increased efficiency via the adoption of Integrated Farm Management' ·market opportunities using LEAF Marque as a case study ·communication and building trust ·striving for sustainable consumption. Sustainable agriculture has to be delivered within profitable farming systems and this paper highlights case studies, research and experience from LEAF and its European counterparts in EISA (the European initiative for the sustainable development of agriculture). These organisations have worked with many stakeholders including retailers, consumers, environmentalists, researchers and those in the farming industry. Through the development of Integrated Farm Management and working with farmers and others, LEAF has taken forward realistic, achievable, farming systems delivering practical solutions for farmers in the production of sustainable food choices for consumers, at an affordable price. With the increasing burden of European regulation facing farmers, it is critical that farming systems are developed that are flexible enough to allow the requirements of this legislation, while at the same time achieving market differentiation. Integrated Farm Management offers that option, bringing together the best of traditional and the best of modern technology. LEAF has a network of demonstration farms and Innovation Centres throughout the UK, showing Integrated Farm Management in practice. The groundbreaking LEAF audit established 13 years ago has charted the change in behaviour of farm practices and the recent development of the LEAF Marque, now available in several retailers throughout the UK, has clearly shown how sustainable agriculture can be taken right through the food chain, and why sustainability and profitable farming systems must happen.