Sustainability Consultant Vanessa Sturman explains why soil is a farmer’s most valuable asset when it comes to growing high quality produce.
A healthy soil with high organic matter, including a large humic fraction and significant microbial and invertebrate activity, has multiple benefits, namely: enhanced water retention and drainage; improved structure; increased carbon sequestration; the provision of macro and micro nutrients; natural protection for roots from pests and diseases and enhanced plant growth. A direct benefit of enhanced biological functioning within soils is that it provides the potential for less reliance on pesticides and fertilisers. Indirect benefits include: resilience of growing systems under climate change scenarios; carbon footprint reduction and cost savings. All of these benefits will become increasingly critical to sustainable food production. In future agriculture will be required to produce higher yields, with lower environmental impact, whilst also adapting to lower levels of natural resource use and a changed climate.
Food retailers and food manufacturers should be driving the adoption of best practices within their food supply chains. It is recognised that some current farm management practices have the potential to both degrade the quality of soil and damage the environment, which is unsustainable. Hence, maintaining and promoting soil health is of value to food manufacturers and retailers in developing sustainable supply chains and enhancing their image as responsible food manufacturers and retailers.
The first step in this process is to understand the baseline position and establish a benchmark to measure improvements in soil health. This will be followed by engagement with farmers to advise on and share best practices.
Improving soil health is a win/win for all and one part of good agricultural practice that can form part of a supplier engagement programme. ADAS can advise food retailers and food manufacturers on the design and implementation of supplier engagement programmes.
For further information please contact Vanessa Sturman on 07875 585746 or email Vanessa.Sturman@adas.co.uk.