A farm walk took place recently aimed at demonstrating to growers how the Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) scheme can fit into farming practice.

The event, which took place at the end of June at the Betts family’s farm at Offham, Kent intended to inform growers to how best to take advantage of the Defra scheme.

Launched in March 2005, ELS is a ‘whole farm scheme’, designed to secure widespread environmental benefits. Growers and farmers who sign up can claim £30 per hectare for five years.

ADAS’s Nick Caspell gave a presentation at the event, while various visitors who are already in the scheme chipped in with comments and advice about aspects of the application and operation.

Stephen and Ian Betts specialise in growing a wide variety of lettuces, with a total crop totalling 17.5 million lettuces. They also grow a large acreage of cereals.