Farm sustainably, or lose out

29 May 2001



‘Farm sustainably, or lose out’

By Tom Allen-Stevens

UK farmers could lose out to rivals because ministers are reluctant to recognise a green farming strategy, claims a group promoting sustainable agriculture.

Robert Campbell, new chairman of LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming), calls for more support for Integrated Farm Management (IFM).

Under an IFM strategy, farmers seek to conserve and enhance the environment while economically producing safe, wholesome food.

Mr Campbell fears France will forge ahead of the UK after its parliament set up a framework to formally recognise IFM, or lAgriculture Raisonnée.

If all goes according to plan, qualifying French growers will be able to market goods as being produced under sustainable farming systems.

This is something few UK growers can currently do.

“The French are creating a system so that they can classify a sizeable proportion of their farmers as following the green route,” says Mr Campbell.

While many UK farmers follow IFM systems, only the relatively small number who are LEAF members are recognised as doing so, he said.

“Unless UK farmers actively seek recognition for the good job theyre doing, well get left behind,” warned Mr Campbell.

He calls for the UK government to recognise IFM officially and indicate that this is what consumers want – giving IFM more credibility and appeal.

There is currently a working party within MAFF that aims to decide the way forward for IFM.

The next step in France is for the ministry of agriculture to agree on exactly what constitutes IFM.

Integrated Crop Management (ICM) is included in the proposals for a new Pesticide Stewardship Scheme as an alternative to a pesticide tax.

Since 1992 LEAF has promoted the system to farmers and is set to launch a new LEAF Marque scheme with retailers Waitrose early next year.

Under the scheme, shoppers at Waitrose would recognise IFM produce from a label, a little like the Little Red Tractor.

• Route to harmony, FWi, 25 November, 2000
• Olympic-style LEAF logos may be in shops by 2001, FWi, 21 April, 2000
  

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