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Linking Environment And Farming

Linking Environment And Farming
LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) was set up in 1991. At that time, the gap between consumers and farmers was getting wider and the need to meet and understand both sides of the debate was essential. For the first time a group of farmers, environmentalists, food and agricultural organisations, consumers, government and academics got together to do something positive for the farming industry.

They were motivated by a common concern for the future of farming and keen to develop a system of farming which was realistic and achievable for the majority of farmers. Based on work in Germany that had been carried out since 1986, LEAF was established to develop and promote Integrated Farm Management.

Our governing body is an Advisory Board made up of some thirty members representing national government departments, farmers, supermarkets, conservation, environmental and consumer groups, educational establishments and industry bodies.

The Advisory Board helps determine policy and drive LEAF's objectives forward. Our managing body is an Executive Committee which is responsible for the overall management of LEAF and receives support and guidance from the Advisory Board.

The Board of Trustees oversees all matters relating to LEAF's charitable status including, finance, personnel and legal issues. Our head office is based at the National Agricultural Centre, Warwickshire and provides all administrative support.

LEAF demonstrates IFM principles through a nationwide network of volunteer Demonstration Farms carrying out IFM and showing other farmers how to adopt it. They provide living and working examples of how Integrated Farming can produce affordable food in harmony with the environment.

They also provide a regional insight into the best local approach to IFM. A programme of visits to each farm goes on throughout the year - not only for farmers but to anyone interested in how their food is produced.

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