Lord Rooker champions the LEAF approach

The importance of communicating the benefits of integrated farm management (IFM) to the consumer was the key message from this weeks Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) ‘Sense and Sustainability’ event, held at HSBC headquarters in London.

In his key address, DEFRA minister Jeff Rooker highlighted the need for every farmer to practice integrated farm management and for more retailers to recognise the LEAF marque. Currently, Waitrose is the only multiple retailer to support the accreditation.     

Lord Rooker said the future for UK agriculture would rely on sustainable, profitable farming with less regulation.

“I’m not against intensive farming. But, a one size system cannot fit all farming systems from Cornwall to Northumberland, which is why integrated farm management has a key role to play.”

“The fact of the matter is that farming has to be sustainable, profitable and closer to the consumer and this is what LEAF facilitates.”

Lord Rooker went on to question the necessity of excessive regulation.

“Currently, there is over regulation and double regulation, and it annoys me.”

He hinted at working towards a system whereby meeting LEAF assurance targets would ‘buy farmers out’ of certain parts of regulation.

Other speakers at the event included farmers, corporate members and advisors, each highlighting the ways the organisation could ‘work’ for the industry.

Cambridgeshire demonstration farmer, David Felce, told delegates that becoming a member had played a key role in shaping his business.
 
“We now run our own 260 acres and 650 acres in partnership with neighbours, alongside providing agronomic and buying services for a further 5000 acres. We also plan to complete a LEAF resource centre next year.” 
 
Industry partner, Aramark, the fourth largest catering company in the UK, highlighted the progress the company had made through cooperation with LEAF, linking schools, farmers and chefs to raise awareness of food providence.

Land in production under the LEAF marquee currently makes up for 2.47% total acreage farmed, whereas 1.68% is organic.

Questioned as to whether there should be incentives for farmers to enter the accreditation scheme, Lord Rooker replied: “No. We have heard, from the speakers today, there is a market solution.”

“The government can only facilitate support, such as promoting public procurement of British produce.” 

LEAF’s chief executive, Caroline Drummond, concluded that the industry could not wait for the next government drive. “We need to have a strong vision for the farming sector.”