This is the future, reckons LEAF
This is the future, reckons LEAF
By Andrew Blake
FAR from being a buzz word in danger of losing its buzz, ICM is definitely the sound of the future, according to Caroline Drummond, LEAF project co-ordinator.
"ICM is very much the fulcrum from which all systems will pivot in the years to come," says Miss Drummond. "We have increasing evidence that it is the more realistic way to financial viability both short and long-term. Economically ICM makes sense."
A Cotswolds case study by Lloyds TSB/LEAF/Andersons found that using ICM principles produced 13% and 20% more profits than a conventional approach in 1997 and 1998.
But it is equally rewarding in other respects, she says. Growers adopting ICM methods are well placed to meet tighter legislation on farming activities and to react to market demands.
"Farm assurance schemes have come fast and furious, and LEAF members are well prepared to respond both now and in the future.
"There is tremendous interest in ICM in the rest of Europe and in our markets here. Unless we can achieve greater consumer confidence in our home production, those markets will be ripe for our competitors.
"Currently, I believe we are actually ahead with ICM, but other member states can catch up quickly. The Germans are fantastic at record keeping and the Dutch have always been good at marketing," she says.
"We are good in many areas, but we still need to improve, for example on marketing, pollution incidents and maintaining and enhancing wildlife habitats." Sustainability is the key, both in terms of allowing farms to remain profitable and in meeting the general publics concerns for the environment and food safety, she maintains. "It is no good farming for today and forgetting about sustainability."
For newcomers switching to ICM the prospects may seem daunting. But much can be achieved through a measured approach. "You must set achievable targets which are right for your business."
The LEAF self-assessment audit is the ideal starting point, she says.
"Because people are doing it themselves they generally take it very seriously. ICM tends to make people proud of what they are doing."
LEAF estimates that its members now farm about 10% of the arable land in the UK. *
DEVELOPINGICM
• Increased profit evidence.
• Britain ahead but Europe catching up.
• Base for all future farming systems.
• Sustainability key
On the road with a broader message
Getting the LEAF message over to a broader, non-farming audience demands new strategies, says project co-ordinator, Caroline Drummond. In the past, opinion forming groups like Friends of the Earth, the Ramblers Association, or the Womens Institutes have been shown round LEAF farms.
Now Miss Drummond is taking the message on the road. "Historically, we have addressed farmers and I love it. But we are now starting to talk much more to non-farmers. For example, I shall be doing so at the WI conference in May, and I am due to talk to the Womens Farm & Gardeners Association as well as the Farm Retail Association. We have to simplify the LEAF message and make it more sexy." Womens magazines are being targeted for farm stories and readers visits to LEAF farms are planned. "We have always responded to correct mistaken impressions, but now we hope to get some positive farm stories into the magazines."