Fresh and frozen soft-fruit grower AJ & CI Snell has been made a LEAF Demonstration Farm to showcase its sustainable practices to other farmers.
The business, based near Ross on Wye in South Herefordshire, joins over 35 other LEAF Demonstration Farms in being recognised for its commitment to sustainable farming.
Owned and managed by Anthony and Christine Snell, the family business produces nearly 1,300 tonnes of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries and redcurrants every year, plus a further 700t of conventional and organic blackcurrants.
The producer also has retailer packing facilities and a pallet freezer store that allows for freezer storage, blast freezing and online sales of frozen fruit.
As a LEAF Demonstration Farm, AJ & CI Snell will promote the principles of Integrated Farm Management (IFM) – a farm business approach developed by LEAF to increase productivity while also protecting the environment – to farmers, politicians and community groups.
As part of this approach, the LEAF Marque certified producer uses natural pest control methods; carefully assesses energy and water use; adopts a ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ approach to waste management; and protects and enhances environmental features on the farm.
The business also has an ongoing programme of hedgerow and tree planting, ensuring that bird populations are carefully managed. Over 49 species of birds have been recorded in recent years, which is well above the national average and one of the highest levels recorded in the county.
LEAF chief executive Caroline Drummond said: “[AJ & CI Snell] is a first-class example of how the principles of IFM can be implemented in the fruit sector and will play an important role in not only inspiring others in the food and farming industry, but also helping to raise awareness amongst the public about sustainable food production.”
