Sustainable farming experts call for change

Bold changes are needed to the way food is produced is we are able to continue feeding the world, according to experts at LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).

Speaking at the annual conference on sustainability in food and farming, Professor Charles Godfray said the way we produce food today is 'unsustainable'.

Professor Godfray explained that the rising demand for food due to a growing and wealthier population, combined with the growing effects of climate change, is resulting in increased competition for land, water and other natural resources.

He highlighted the importance of increasing the productivity of land, not just for food, but also a broad range of other services such as timber and fibre, water purification, flood protection, recreation and biodiversity support.

Professor Godfray made the comments at the 'Changing Faces of Sustainability' event.


"Without doubt the future is uncertain, but what we can be sure of is that there will be far greater social and political pressure to produce food in new ways" he said.

Caroline Drummond MBE, Chief Executive of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) said: “The framework of Integrated Farm Management (IFM) upon which LEAF’s core values are built, is key to balancing the many different priorities demanded of farmers, in a flexible and forward looking way."

"IFM is all about combining the best of traditional farming methods with the very latest innovations and new technology, within a planned management and business framework. Knowledge is key to delivering more sustainable farming."

Godfray said: "We need to work together at both national and global levels to agree the most effective and sustainable ways to use our land."

"We can no longer have the luxury of allowing land to be non-productive in the broad sense of the term, so a more landscape focused perspective is vital in order to capitalise on the advantages of different areas in producing different types of outputs."