LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) has expanded its global presence with the launch in Limpopo, South Africa, marking its first international demonstration site and a significant step in promoting sustainable agriculture beyond the UK.
David Webster, chief executive of LEAF, said: “The expansion of LEAF’s Demonstration Farm Network internationally marks a significant milestone for LEAF as an organisation.
“There is a shared responsibility to derisk the transition to more nature-friendly farming practices globally and our expanding Network plays a crucial role in improving the resilience of commercial farms through sharing practical on-the-ground solutions anchored in the principles of Integrated Farm Management.
“It is also important to remember that he global challenges we face ultimately require local answers.
“Solutions that can be implemented, profitably, on hundreds of thousands of unique farm businesses across the world.
“From a LEAF perspective, our view is that these solutions lie with the consistent application of well-structured Integrated Farm Management frameworks and evidenced in the market-place through robust assurance systems such as the LEAF Marque.
“Springfield Farms is a shining example of how sustainable farming practices can deliver real environmental, economic and social benefits to farmers wherever they are located and I am delighted they are joining the LEAF Network.”
Springfield Farm, run by Valerie and Graeme Whyte, focuses on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and exports avocados and macadamia nuts to the UK through Tesco.
LEAF said the farm demonstrates how sustainability can be achieved through a combination of innovation and environmental responsibility.
With more than 50 per cent of LEAF members now based outside the UK, the addition of Springfield Farm underscores the charity’s evolution into a truly international network.
The LEAF Network, now in its 34th year, includes 42 demonstration farms and 19 innovation centres worldwide.
It is one of the most established peer-to-peer learning frameworks in sustainable agriculture, offering hands-on examples of how sustainable farming practices can thrive across different climates and systems.
Springfield Farm will serve as a flagship model for sustainable farming in Africa, sharing knowledge and expertise with farmers across the continent and beyond.
The Whytes have implemented various measures to protect wildlife and vegetation on the farm, all while working towards a net-zero future.