LEAF expands global reach with first overseas Demonstration Farm

LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) has launched of its first international Demonstration Farm in Limpopo, South Africa – extending the organisation’s impact while driving the adoption of more sustainable farming practices worldwide.

Through its inclusion in the LEAF Demonstration Farm network, Springfield Farms will serve as a flagship model for sustainable farming in Africa, sharing knowledge and expertise with farmers across the continent and beyond.

Run by Valerie and Graeme Whyte, Springfield Farm has introduced a range of measures to conserve and protect local wildlife and vegetation, with a central focus on Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Already LEAF Marque certified, the farm exports avocados and macadamia nuts to the UK via Tesco.

Valerie and Graeme Whyte

Rooted in a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, the Whytes have transformed the farm into a thriving example of innovation on their journey to net zero.

With over 50% of LEAF members now outside the UK, this development signals the organisation’s growth into a truly international force, connecting more farmers, through shared values of sustainable, regenerative agriculture.

LEAF’s chief executive, David Webster, believes this milestone is a major step in LEAF’s mission to transform farming practices globally.

“The expansion of LEAF’s Demonstration Farm Network internationally marks a significant milestone for LEAF as an organisation,” says Mr Webster.

“There is a shared responsibility to derisk the transition to more nature-friendly farming practices globally and our expanding Network plays a crucial role in improving the resilience of commercial farms through sharing practical on-the-ground solutions anchored in the principles of Integrated Farm Management.

“It is also important to remember that he global challenges we face ultimately require local answers. Solutions that can be implemented, profitably, on hundreds of thousands of unique farm businesses across the world.

“From a LEAF perspective, our view is that these solutions lie with the consistent application of well-structured Integrated Farm Management frameworks and evidenced in the market-place through robust assurance systems such as the LEAF Marque.  Springfield Farms is a shining example of how sustainable farming practices can deliver real environmental, economic and social benefits to farmers wherever they are located and I am delighted they are joining the LEAF Network.”

The LEAF Network is 34 years old, making it one of the most established peer to peer learning frameworks in sustainable agriculture. Today, the Network spans 42 demonstration farms and 19 innovation centres globally, offering hands-on examples of how sustainable farming practices can thrive across different climates and systems.