Sustainability on your farm
Our BASF initiative demonstrates that commercial farmers can support biodiversity while continuing to run profitable and successful farms. Preliminary results from the more mature farms in the UK show that the number of breeding birds has increased significantly through smart creation and management of habitats without any negative impact to the highly productive arable areas of the farms. Several trials in France also indicate that pollinators benefit from the location of pollen and nectar strips in small farm areas.
Simple steps are a great way to start:
Seek advice:
Establish what you already have and build on it. Use diagnostic tools to identify potential areas for improvement, or contact a local advisor to identify specific risks, for example, your water catchment area.
The simplest change can bring about huge benefits. For example, avoiding point pollution sources can reduce 50 to 90 percent of water contamination on your farm.
Make sure the species you are encouraging is indigenous to your area. Ask local organizations for advice.
Manage biodiversity proactively the same way as you would your cropped areas. Establish habitats; remove pernicious weeds from field margins, flower strips and wild bird food crops, particularly during the early stages.
Highlight successes to neighbouring farmers and challenge myths about conventional agricultural production. Provide some good news stories, and invite them to visit your farm.
Keep it simple:
Keep it local:
Proactively manage:
Talk about it:
