The Devon Farm Futures Initiative
Devon has a proud history of farming built into it's DNA and spread across it's upland and lowland landscapes. With the UK now only 60% self-sufficient in food and with a changing global climate, there is a growing need to secure higher levels of local food availability across Devon, from farming that maintains Nature's resilience.
Devon Farm Farm Futures is a pilot initiative to work with a range of farm enterprises to reduce the usage of synthetic herbicides, insecticides and other pesticide products, whilst maintaining produce yields at pre-pesticide reduction levels.
The key is to find nature-balanced alternative weed and pest controls which give farmers the confidence to transition away from synthetic pesticide use, saving money, safeguarding human health and maintaining environmental sustainability.
We are currently working with a dairy farmer and cheese producer in Mid Devon to find effective methods for controlling docks and thistles on pasture land in order to maximise forage for cattle whilst maintaining soil microbe health and diversity.
We are also working with arable farmers in South Devon to explore ways of reducing the need to use herbicides and insecticides to control aphids in barley production.
Devon Farm Futures is also about bringing farmers together to share skills and experiences. We have received helpful and significant advice and support from farmers and related enterprises from across Devon as well as Suffolk, Oxfordshire, Lancashire and Dorset.
