Resource: Applied research

The Global Farm Metric framework is a common framework for all food and farming stakeholders to understand, measure and monitor farm-level sustainability.

This guide from the Nature Friendly Farming Network covers the principles and practice of Integrated Pest Management with case studies and examples of actions.

Handy practical guide to establishing perennial wildflower areas, produced as part of the BEESPOKE project.

This Innovative Farmers webinar provides an update on research into perennial green manures and opportunities to get involved in a field lab.

GWCT briefing from Allerton Project research on measures that can
reduce negative impacts on water quality and aquatic ecology,
and potentially reducing flood risk.

The Toolbox is an interactive, online library of IPM resources designed for farmers and advisors and is available in multiple languages.

DiverIMPACTS case studies across Europe highlight why crop diversification strategies have been successful and what challenges needed to be overcome to achieve success.

Independent evidence-based analysis of the environmental and economic benefits of hedgerows.

Practical guidance with case studies on managing hedgerows for woodfuel and hedgerow products, as part of the farm business.

Recommendations from the SOLMACC project for implementing climate-friendly and resilient farming practices on-farm.

Video footage of a workshop held at Organic Matters 22 focusing on a project which aims to increase access to fresh fruit and veg across the UK by supporting local food systems and building connections between urban and rural areas.

Recording of an Organic Growers Alliance’s Organic Matters 22 conference session exploring stockfree organic standards and carbon sequestration, mobile green manures, Organic-PLUS trials on fertility-building inputs, grower experiences, and featuring discussions on research priorities.

The ‘Sustainable Economic and Ecological Grazing Systems – Learning from Innovative Practitioners’ (SEEGSLIP) project sought to evidence the practices of Pasture for Life (PFL) producers and farmer members using holistic, system-based approaches.

Sageguard is a toolbox of recommendations regarding sustainability indicators (especially for social, economic and animal welfare) and practical decision-making tools for sheep and goat farmers. It was an output of the Innovation for Sustainable Sheep and Goat Production in Europe (iSAGE) project.

Final report for a project based on the premise that ancient or heritage wheats may be more suitable for organic and low-input production and better adapted to marginal environments than ‘modern’ high-yielding varieties.

A DiverIMPACTS practice abstract exploring the practicalities of applying the technique of biofumigation to help with pest and weed control.

FiBL booklet offering a view on soil fertility from different angles to stimulate new thinking about a sustainable relationship to the soil.

Guide outlining the three pillars to a successful conservation approach; created to support a ‘Conservation of Farmland Birds’ workshop held at Peppering Farm in Sussex.

Footage of a discussion held at Groundswell 2022, organised by Agricology, about the impacts of reduced nitrogen use and ways in which farmers are moving away from high input systems.

Recording of a Groundswell 2022 discussion organised by Agricology exploring water resilience; why it’s important to consider it on the farm, how it can be increased and how we can work together to create change and look after our water resources.

Abstract created as part of the DiverIMPACTS project outlining some of the benefits that can be attained from establishing summer cover crops on sandy soils and giving useful practical recommendations.

Practice abstract created as part of the DiverIMPACTS project outlining some of the many advantages to more complex mixtures of leguminous leys and some of the challenges and key practical considerations.

This webinar (part of the 2021 Northern Real Farming Conference and hosted by the Soil Association) explores growing a low growing permanent cover crop such as small white clover to help shade out weeds and provide fertility for the rotation.

Whatever your farming system and approach, there are many ways to reduce GhG emissions and capture carbon. Actions outlined in this NFFN report should help give some clarity on the practical steps you can take.