A farm run by a couple committed to sustainable farming and protecting the environment has joined an exclusive list of farms across the country chosen to share their message.

The 161 hectare Nonington Farm at Goodnestone, which is managed by award-winning arable farmers Emma and James Loder-Symonds, has become the 41st demonstration farm in the UK for LEAF - Linking Environment and Farming.

They join a network of farms showcasing sustainability and resilience and act as centres of excellence for learning and knowledge. Their achievement was announced by a visit from Location, Location Location presenter Phil Spencer, LEAF chairman, Philip Wynn and chief executive, Caroline Drummond.

The couple's farm first became a LEAF Marque certified business in 2012 for their credentials in supporting environmental, economic and community health, something increasingly demanded by food producers wanting to be certain that they are providing environmentally responsible products.

Farmer and qualified agronomist, James Loder-Symonds, said: “There could not be a more important time to promote farming, self-sufficiency of food, health and wellbeing, and the importance of protecting the environment in the wake of a global pandemic, climate change, and food production self-sufficiency in the UK.

"We therefore see becoming a LEAF Demonstration Farm as hugely important, and a wonderful opportunity for us to deliver our message through our education programmes and beyond, with arable farmers, the wider agricultural community and general public of all ages, by providing examples of sustainable farming practices, our use of IFM, and the creation of arable LEAF Marque products."

Caroline Drummond said: “Our network of demonstration farms is absolutely critical in leading the way and showcasing best practices. With their passion and drive we will help build a world that is farming, eating and living sustainably.

“We are delighted to welcome Nonington Farms to the network...Emma and James have achieved so much already, and we look forward to supporting them in their future efforts.”

LEAF stages its Open Farm Sunday event each year when farms open their gates to visitors, to show them how farming works. This year's event will be Online Farm Sunday on Sunday, September 20. Find out more here.

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