LEAF Marque growers Anthony and Lucy Carroll with their Heritage Potatoes
A wealth of market opportunities await farmers who can demonstrate they practice sustainable agriculture. During Future of Farming Week, taking place from March 16-22, 2009, Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) is calling on every farmer in the UK to do at least one thing to help secure the long term future of UK Farming.
Throughout the supply chain there is a concerted effort to unite farmers who deliver quality food and a thriving environment with markets that are looking to foster relationships with sustainable suppliers. Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) for example is hosting a special breakfast event on the Tuesday (March 17) of Future of Farming Week that will bring LEAF Marque fresh produce growers together with chefs from top London restaurants and other food service sector representatives. LEAF Marque is the only UK whole-farm assurance scheme that gives market-place recognition to high standards of production.
"The aim is to build a more sustainable future for food service, which is why we have joined forces with LEAF for this special event," explains CGMA’s Helen Evans. "We have already had real interest from food service representatives here in London – they are keen to meet LEAF Marque growers and discuss opportunities as well as obstacles."
Elsewhere more and more farmers are realising the benefits that LEAF membership brings to how they market their produce, whether it’s a niche market, such as their own farm shop, or a large retailer, such as Waitrose. Farmers are also making the pledge to build a sustainable future.
Jimmy’s Farm is one of the latest to have joined LEAF. Its proprietor and farming’s new hero Jimmy Doherty believes there will be clear business benefits for the Essex farm that attracts 250,000 visitors a year. "We aim to inspire our visitors about farming and where their food comes from – that’s what we’re passionate about. Belonging to an organisation with the same positive outlook cements that commitment. Our customers seem genuinely excited that we’ve joined too, so it’ll be good for business in the farm shop."
For Future of Farming Week, Mr Doherty has pledged to make sure every customer that passes through the farm or shop understands how important farming is for the future.
As well as LEAF Marque, LEAF offers members a number of other tools, directories and pointers on how to gain maximum market benefit from Integrated Farm Management (IFM). It has also been gathering from its members the positive steps they have taken towards delivering a more sustainable and robust agriculture.
"These small changes build into a bigger picture that shows a commitment to IFM, and places our industry on a much firmer footing to demonstrate the care, commitment and opportunity we are all serious in delivering. This builds trust and respect among our customers and offers those that step up to the LEAF Marque real market opportunities," points out LEAF chief executive Caroline Drummond. "All farmers have their individual parts to play. During Future of Farming Week take at least one more step and make sure you are recognised for the difference you make."
Simple steps to take include:
Monday – Join LEAF to benefit from support and advice on how to promote your business locally.
Tuesday – Use the LEAF Audit to assess your stand-out and unique selling points.
Wednesday – Assess whether you could benefit from joining LEAF Marque and selling to markets that reward the efforts of sustainable producers.
Thursday – Register on LEAF Directories, used by companies looking for farmers who have adopted IFM.
Friday – Go online at www.leafuk.org/future, share what you take pride in and help make a difference to how UK Farming is perceived.
"All we are asking is for farmers to set aside a little time to explore what benefits IFM holds for them and then take at least one step towards building a better future for the entire industry. LEAF members are respected as some of the most forward-thinking farmers in the country, which results in our achieving a supportive ear for farming from policy makers in Westminster and Brussels, and from the public through Open Farm Sunday and the LEAF Marque. Imagine what we can achieve with an even stronger membership base," notes Miss Drummond.
LEAF’s website (www.leafuk.org/future) has more on how to get involved with Future of Farming Week. This includes more inspiration and ideas for straightforward steps to take to deliver a long-term thriving farming economy, and a chance to see what others are doing. The LEAF Audit Taster allows farmers to quickly gauge how ’future proof’ their business really is. There are also loads of ideas on how to demonstrate the positive steps farmers are taking towards building a more sustainable agriculture.