Abstract
This joint project by ADAS and HRI-Warwick will follow on from and compliment two previous projects; A review of research papers, reports and other publications on Integrated Farm Management (April 2003) and Integrated approach to farming and land management – A role in delivering Defra’s policies (March 2006). The work will cover all annually rotated arable crops and field vegetables (wheat, barley, rape, sugar beet, potatoes, carrots, parsnips, brassicas, and lettuce) in England and Wales. Information will be related to Defra “One Planet Living” objectives and policy requirements. The overall objective of the study is to improve the understanding and promotion of integrated farming practices in cropping systems. The contribution of specific Integrated Farm Management (IFM) practices in achieving economic, environmental and social (EES) objectives will be presented in the form of a matrix, scoring each IFM practice as to its impact on achieving EES objectives. This will highlight where there is a need for greater uptake or improved techniques to be developed. The work will concentrate on identifying where IFM can lead to benefits over and above those that might be achieved from Cross-compliance or Good Agricultural practice or through additional regulatory burden. Where specific IFM practices do or do not help achieve the EES objectives are identified these will be supported by specific text. This will indicate the nature of the conflict and examine the potential to overcome these barriers. If negative relationships are identified changes will be suggested that could be made to the IFM technique to achieve a more positive outcome. We will identify where we think there may be scope to develop IFM further as a tool for meeting EES objectives. This might include development, or establishment, of benchmarks against which progress and improvement might be measured. The final report will also contain, in part, an update of the report “ A review of research papers, reports and other publications on Integrated Farm Management” to include recent arable work and annually rotated horticultural field vegetables.
United Kingdom