LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) is the leading organisation working with farmers, the food industry, scientists and consumers to deliver more sustainable food and farming.
The conference, titled, ‘Circular Agriculture: Transforming Performance in a Circular Economy’ was chaired by BBC broadcaster and journalist, Tom Heap and explored themes around driving more productive and sustainable farming systems that can lead to cost savings, waste prevention, job creation and economic and social opportunities.
Gerard has spent 40 years in the protected growing sector and has worked at Tangmere Airfield Nurseries since it began in 1988. In 2015, Tangmere were awarded LEAF Demonstration Farm status, in recognition of the company’s high environmental standards.
Responsible for more than 100 acres of sweet pepper crops in the UK and Spain, Gerard’s presentation focused on what ‘Circular Agriculture’ means to Tangmere and how the business is taking action to close the loop and minimise external inputs to grow as efficiently as possible. Examples include conserving energy and water through re-circulation and reducing waste as, at the end of the season, pepper plants are composted. Find out more about the presentations at the LEAF Annual Conference 2019 here.
Gerard joined farmers, researchers, industry representatives, those in the food supply chain and government officials to discuss the opportunities the ‘Circular Economy’ model has to offer in driving forward more sustainable farming systems and developing frameworks to transform change.
Gerard said:
“We’re committed to sustainable growing at Tangmere. Our working methods are always evolving as we continually challenge ourselves to reuse as much as possible without creating waste. We were very pleased to take part in the LEAF Annual Conference and to share our experience and discuss how the industry can work together to drive long-term positive impact.”
