UK growers and farmers are already pioneering ways to work with the environment to achieve maximum production from their land, a series of ground-breaking case studies has shown, suggesting that a wider adoption of their techniques will help allay fears that improvements in farm productivity are unsustainable.

The publication of the case studies, the culmination of a research project carried out by the Applied Research Forum (ARF), comes just as set aside rules are relaxed, allowing farmers to bring more land into agricultural production. They form part of the Soil Information Gateway- a new cross-sector resource that champions the soil-related achievements of 17 pioneering growers and farmers. Based on material provided by soil consultants, it also highlights tips, solutions and strategies that address problems such as erosion, compaction and poaching.

“The launch of the Gateway comes at a time farmers are coming under renewed public scrutiny for their use of the land,” said ARF deputy lead technical director Mike Storey. “Not least of this is the controversial draft Soils Directive which is due to be voted on in European Parliament later this month.”

The Gateway provides essential information on soil management that not only helps address forthcoming legislation, but also provides pointers for those looking to increase production sustainably. “We already have the skills, the solutions and the resources to meet the objectives of much of the national and EU soils legislation we face,” he added. “I’d urge all UK farmers to take a look at these case studies and consider whether some of the pioneering strategies that are profiled could benefit their holding.”

Those who do could earn valuable BASIS Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points for their efforts - five of the case studies have now been developed into academies, in conjunction with Farmers Weekly.

Hosted on the Farmers Weekly Interactivewebsite, www.fwi.co.uk/academy, there are BASIS points for completing each of five self-test questionnaires.

Potato growers in particular will benefit from additional information that will be available at British Potato 2007, organised by the British Potato Council (BPC) and taking place at Yorkshire Event Centre, Harrogate on November 28- 29.

More information on the case studies that featured, brassica, salads, potato, herb, allium and root-vegetable productionis available at www.appliedresearchforum.org.uk/soils. The project was funded by the Applied Research Forum and led by the British Potato Council. Agronomists and case study growers were put forward by the Horticulture Development Council.

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