Stewardship
Key tools and publications
Manage farm biodiversity
Living organisms are essential for the biological processes associated with agricultural production. Organisms include natural pest predators and fauna essential to soil health. Farms with a relatively wide range of living organisms can be described as ‘biodiverse’.
HGCA has published guidance to help growers better understand how biodiversity can contribute to farm productivity.
Reduce your carbon footprint
The UK Government Climate Change Act 2008 sets out clear targets for reducing UK greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Agriculture will need to play its part.
HGCA has developed an easy-to-use software tool and guide, which offers a straightforward way to calculate the carbon footprint of a particular crop. We have also produced a greenhouse gas calculator for biofuels.
You may also be interested in HGCA’s environmental ‘roadmap’. This details plans to assist the industry to meet its environmental obligations.
Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (including HGCA) is a partner in the Greenhouse Gas Action Plan.
Organic and integrated production methods
Switching to an organic production system is a mayor decision, this guide helps farmers and land managers to weigh up the options.
Integrated production methods are described as being between organic and conventional systems.