Three new farms pledged to LEAF
Three new farms pledged to LEAF
THREE more farms have joined the Linking the Environment and Farming network of units promoting integrated crop management principles.
Together with 25 established units, the farms will demonstrate ICM to other farmers and show consumers how food is produced and the positive measures farmers take to address their concerns, said project co-ordinator, Caroline Drummond, at the show.
"There has never been a better time for farmers to adopt ICM. With the fall in crop and meat prices and increasing consumer demands, many farmers are seeking ways to maintain profitability and meet the changing needs of their customers," said Ms Drummond.
The three new farms are J * Kemball and Son, Wantisden Hall Farms, Wantisden, Woodbridge, Suffolk, Barfoots of Botley, Little Abshot Farm, Titchfield, Hants, owned by Hampshire county council, and Broadwell Manor Farm, Nr Lechlade, Glos, owned by F R Goodenough and managed by Hugh Pescod.
More than 10,000 people have visited LEAF demonstration farms this year. A further 12 farms will be launched during 1999.