Written question asked by Baroness Byford (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Henley (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 June 2011.

Agriculture: Farming

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they intend to include any LEAF (linking environment and farming) farms within their proposed demonstration farms project.

Answer: There are a number of existing demonstration farms or sites funded by both the public and private sector, including retailers. These are geographically widespread. Examples include the linking environment and farming (LEAF) network of demonstration farms and the Beacon farms being set up under the Campaign for the Farmed Environment. Defra has been in discussion with the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB), research institutions, consultancies, NGOs and industry, including LEAF, to raise the profile and improve co-ordination of the existing demonstration activities across the country that showcase and test new techniques, products and technologies, and help translate research into practical benefits for farmers and growers. Complementary to this activity, Defra has commissioned a pilot project on improving the integration of advisory messages to farmers.

Secondary information