- A whole farm approach to Agroecological farming practices is the premise of the Helix Agroecology Farm hosted by Harry Heath of Whitley Manor Farm, Newport, Shropshire.
As an industry we are still not in a position to be able to clearly define the benefits of many of the practices or technologies that we associate with Agroecology, believes Stuart Hill, Hutchinsons Head of Innovation and Technology.
“The Helix Agroecology farm allows us to trial and evaluate these and new evolving practices or technologies on a farm- scale level so that we can determine measurable benefits they offer in particular situations.”
Agroecology or Regenerative Farming is a method or practise of farming that has come increasingly into the limelight as growers look for ways of working with nature on their farms – driven by the need to follow a more holistic, environmentally-focussed path.
“Helix Agroecology is a long term project that allows us to look at the whole farm as a biological system, not just certain fields or parts of the farm, and that’s significant. All the key areas of focus are intrinsically linked and will produce data to allow the farmer Harry Heath and his agronomist Ed Brown, make the best decisions in an agroecologically sympathetic, but profitable and sustainable way ” he adds.
Five key focus areas across Whitley Manor Farm
How can data improve farm sustainability
How do we measure and improve soils
How do we manage nutrition
How do crop genetics benefit the grower
Delivering tangible Integrated Crop Management
