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General Information Introduction 3 About the Course & Exam 5 About IFM 6 The BASIS/LEAF Integrated Farm Management (IFM) Objective Syllabus Modules 1. Introduction to IFM 8 2. Crop Management 10
- Site, Crop Rotation and Varietal Choice - Soil Management and Fertility - Crop Health and Protection
3. Water Management and Energy Efficiency 15 4. Pollution Control and By-Product Management 17 5. Animal Husbandry 18 6. Landscape and Nature Conservation 19 7. Organisation, Planning and Management 20 8. Indicators, Reviews and Performance Measurement 21 9. Food Chain Integration, Quality, Safety and Farm Assurance 22
10 Community Engagement 23 Where to go for Help 24 Useful Sources of Information 24 BASIS Approved Trainers 25 Acknowledgements 25
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© BASIS Registration Ltd BASIS is a trade mark of BASIS Registration Limited. All rights reserved.
Registered in England No.: 1365343 Charity No.: 1077006 VAT Reg No.: 242/5497/56 © LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming)
LEAF is a registered charity. All rights reserved. Registered in England No.: 3035047 Charity No.: 1045781 VAT Reg No GB 660 9232 38
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THE BASIS/LEAF INTEGRATED FARM MANAGEMENT (IFM) COURSE SYLLABUS & INFORMATION
Introduction Building on the success of the BASIS/LEAF Integrated Crop Management (ICM) course, we have developed this course to reflect the changing pace and demands on our food production systems and the need to deliver more sustainable farming, being mindful of the challenges of delivering ‘more from less’. All this is alongside the global pressures of volatile markets, climate change, increased pressure on our natural resources (soil, water, biodiversity), emerging economies and the development, uptake and public acceptance of new technologies. Furthermore, it is essential that we embrace the management of the whole farm in a sustainable way. As a consequence, the new BASIS/LEAF Integrated Farm Management (IFM) Course has been developed to account for the additional aspects of water management, energy efficiency, with some reference to animal husbandry and by-product and waste management. The implementation of Integrated Farm Management (IFM) is a progressive step towards developing a sustainable farming system that truly addresses the concerns of farmers, consumers and environmentalists - a system that can produce quality food with sensitivity for the environment, whilst maintaining a financially profitable business for farmers. Building on the Codes of Good Agricultural Practice, Integrated Farm Management is a whole farm approach that is practical and achievable for farmers, acceptable in the eyes of the consumer and is a key option for government for the responsible use of pesticides in the UK and throughout Europe, especially with the development of the Thematic Pesticide Strategy and the need to demonstrate Integrated Pest Management (IPM) as well as the importance of delivering sustainable production under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform. Furthermore IFM provides a sound basis for the development of farm assurance schemes and supports farmers in gaining further recognition for reduced risk, in particular LEAF Marque. The BASIS/LEAF IFM course has been designed to provide an insight into Integrated Farm Management for anyone who is involved, directly or indirectly, in food production. The course has been developed to ensure a common standard for Integrated Farm Management understanding and uptake through promotion and advice. The course does not qualify the individual to be BASIS or FACTS certificated but it plays a fundamental part in the development of any adviser, agronomist or consultant, especially in the delivery of the Thematic Pesticide Strategy and Integrated Pest Management.
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Whistle Blowing Policy
BASIS Registration Ltd is committed to the highest standards of openness and accountability. Therefore, we expect employees, candidates and others who work with BASIS who have serious concerns about any aspect of our work to voice those concerns. To this effect BASIS has a Whistle Blowing Policy. This procedure is designed to allow concerns of a public interest kind within BASIS to be raised, investigated and where appropriate, acted upon. Complaints may be made by (or about) any member of staff, candidates or those contracted to provide services to BASIS. To view the full Whistle Blowing Policy go to: http://basis-reg.co.uk/Portals/1/Resources/Professional-Reg/BASIS%20Whistle-blowing%20Policy.pdf Dyslexia Policy BASIS Registration Ltd allows students diagnosed with Dyslexia to request special examination arrangements. Proof of dyslexia is required a minimum of 4 weeks before the exam date so that BASIS can provide special examination arrangements if required. For a full copy of our Dyslexia Policy please go to: https://www.basis-reg.co.uk/Exams-and-Courses/studentresources
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ABOUT THE COURSE
Designed as a two day course this syllabus brings together the discussions and practical solutions for the
delivery of competitive and productive farming businesses in a global market, while recognising the critical
elements of delivery, ecosystem services and public goods.
The course is divided into 10 core modules, with supporting literature, references and support material for
trainers.
EXAMINATION The examination is a written paper consisting of 25 multiple choice questions and five structured short-answer questions and must be completed within the time limit of 90 minutes.
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ABOUT IFM IFM Definition ‘Integrated Farm Management (IFM) is a whole farm business approach that delivers sustainable farming.’ (LEAF 2012)
IFM uses the best of modern technology and traditional methods to deliver prosperous farming that enriches the environment and engages local communities. A farm business managed to IFM principles will demonstrate site-specific and continuous improvement across the whole farm addressing: - Organisation and Planning - Soil Management and Fertility - Crop Health and Protection - Pollution Control and By-Product Management - Animal Husbandry - Energy Efficiency - Water Management - Landscape and Nature Conservation - Community Engagement
(LEAF 2012)
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Sustainable Farming The fundamental approach of IFM is that of informed management across the whole farm, which focuses on attention to detail in all practices to deliver sustainable farming. It is also dynamic in that it can be adapted to incorporate new concepts as they are perfected, such as precision farming methods, plant breeding, etc. Sustainable Farming Definition ‘Sustainable Farming, delivers a site-specific farming system supporting the integration of the environment, society and farm economic viability over the long term.’ (LEAF 2012)
‘the term Sustainable Farming means an integrated system of plant and animal production practices having a site-specific application that will, over the long term:
satisfy human food , fuel and fibre needs; enhance environmental quality and the natural resource base upon which the agricultural
economy depends; make the most efficient use of non-renewable resources and on-farm resources and integrate,
where appropriate, natural biological cycles and controls; sustain the economic viability of farm operations; and enhance the quality of life for farmers and society as a whole.’
(US Congress 1990 Farm Bill)
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OBJECTIVE SYLLABUS
MODULE 1 - INTRODUCTION TO IFM
Integrated Farm Management means more than just keeping crops healthy, applying the right fertilisers or feeding animals properly. IFM is based on a holistic (whole farm) approach, on science based management and on the optimal blend of experience and innovation in the continuous pattern of ‘planning, evaluation and improved management’. IFM is geared towards sustaining and optimising the use of all resources on farm, including soil, water, air, staff, machinery, capital, wildlife habitats, landscape and archaeological features, addressing regulation and embracing innovation. Its successful uptake requires a detailed understanding of the business and an innovative and challenging approach. The implementation of IFM is all about adopting knowledge and innovation alongside beneficial husbandry principles and traditional methods. It is built around the development of a risk management approach to anticipate, assess, manage and develop contingency plans for any unplanned and/or natural events. The candidate will: understand the need for flexible, innovative and responsible farming systems
be aware of the overriding pressures facing farming, including climate change, population growth,
urbanisation, market volatility, etc. understand the differences between IPM, ICM and IFM and the key principles which underpin them. understand fully the complexities of the interactions caused by different management decisions appreciate the agronomic aspects of IFM with regards to rotations, fertiliser applications, disease
control, resistance, etc. understand the importance of addressing business priorities versus legislative or environmental
priorities and potential synergies and trade-offs. appreciate Whole Farm, Integrated and Environmental Management Systems approaches. understand the Principles, Features and Benefits of an IFM approach to production. understand what practices give rise to the development of pest, disease and weed resistance to Crop
Protection products and the strategies which can be adopted to minimize the development of resistance.
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MODULE 2 - CROP MANAGEMENT
The candidate will: Understand and be able to assess the effect of site features and market when selecting a crop rotation
understand the factors that influence the choice of rotation and their significance in particular relating
to crop protection and soil health
appreciate the environmental impact of contrasting rotations
recognise the risks, strengths and weaknesses associated with mono-cropping and block cropping
assess the effect of varietal choice and seed quality on achieving the aims of IFM.
Be able to list the key varietal traits necessary in the adoption of IFM e.g. straw length, tillering ability, disease resistance, indehiscence, etc.
Be able to discuss the influence of slope, soil type, cultivation system and crop rotation on soil erosion
Soil Management and Fertility The candidate will: identify and assess soil properties in relation to agricultural management and to reduce soil erosion risk
be able to identify the pros and cons of different crop establishment and cultivation techniques within
an integrated system
appreciate the value and use of technology in planned cultivation systems, seeking the options of cultivations such as precision farming, minimum tillage, etc
be aware of the factors to be taken into account for nutrient management plans for a field situation assess the environmental impact of management decisions and the policy adjustments required by
legislation and Codes of Good Practice
evaluate the efficiency of operation and safety of a range of equipment appreciate and understand general advice on fertiliser recommendations for agricultural and
horticultural crops such as RB209 understand how to calculate crop requirements most accurately understand how to write and interpret a soil management plan understand methods of calculating maximum nitrate levels relating to local regulation e.g. NVZ four
step calculation procedure
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understand the appropriate law and good practice procedures for the transport of fertilisers understand the importance of protecting non-crop areas from fertiliser applications appreciate the relationship between ground-water, nitrates and the protection of water quality
including local regulation e.g. Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) understand the principal causes of eutrophication and the measures which can be employed to reduce
it be aware of the suitability and legality of fertilizer storage and associated signs
Crop Health and Protection
The candidate will: be able to understand the principles of Integrated Pest Management where cultural, biological,
mechanical and thermal techniques are employed in conjunction with chemical control methods
be able to demonstrate a clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of each and how combined strategies can be used to complement each other
understand effective IPM strategies, opportunities and their implementation in a range of crop types appreciate the importance of crop monitoring in evaluating crop protection problems and in the design
of integrated control strategies understand the value of existing information technology and expert systems used in crop protection
decision making evaluate the consequences of pesticide application and the significance of reduced/restricted use and
developments in biotechnology specify the conditions and procedures required for safe, accurate and economic application appreciate the requirements of legislation, Codes of Conduct and safe working practices understand non-chemical options and be able to give examples of each e.g. good rotations compared
with bad rotations understand how to write and interpret a Crop Protection Management Plan understand the direct and indirect effects of pesticides and the implications for non-target organisms
and farmland ecology have a good understanding of the integrated control strategies for a number of common antagonists
e.g. wild oats, black grass, molluscs, wheat bulb fly, aphids be familiar with the concept of economic pest thresholds and the limitations of this approach
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understand the need to consider quality aspects or the impacts on the weed seed bank and the implications for other crops in the rotation
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MODULE 3 - WATER MANAGEMENT AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Water Management
The candidate will: be able to understand the risks associated with water pollution and list the range of measures to
reduce and mitigate these risks
understand the principles of irrigation, water storage, different application techniques, etc. understand the principles of on-farm water management plans appreciate the value and use of technology in water resource and irrigation management
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Energy Efficiency
The candidate will: understand the benefits of improving energy efficiency
be able to understand the key areas of energy use on farm
be able to draw up energy efficiency plans and consider the relevance of carbon budgeting and
footprinting understand the advantages and disadvantages of alternative energy sources
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MODULE 4 - POLLUTION CONTROL AND BY-PRODUCT MANAGEMENT
The candidate will: be able to appreciate the range and scale of farm waste production, the likely re-use and recycling
opportunities and potential pollution risks
be able to analyse the practical, environmental and financial implications of such wastes be conversant with the appropriate legislation and Codes of Good Agricultural Practice be able to identify waste minimisation and resource management techniques be able to initiate a specific farm waste management plan based on the information provided be familiar with techniques for the safe disposal of chemicals and their containers
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MODULE 5 - ANIMAL HUSBANDRY The candidate will:
understand the opportunities of integrating livestock within the farming system
be able to effectively assess the impact, opportunities and threats surrounding the management of livestock and crop production.
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MODULE 6 - LANDSCAPE AND NATURE CONSERVATION The candidate will: be familiar with the key species of wildlife found on farm and have a basic understanding of the key
habitats found on farmland
appreciate the inter-relationships between different farm enterprises at a landscape scale be aware of the factors which contribute to the conservation status of an area consider the criteria involved in selecting specially protected areas
be aware of the agronomic benefits of conservation practices and be able to give examples understand the role of government and their agencies (e.g.: National England, Environment Agency)
and non-governmental organisations (e.g.: RSPB, FWAG, GWCT, LEAF, Wildlife Trusts, etc) in the delivery of conservation on farm
have a basic knowledge of the agri-environment schemes and how these can be integrated into a
modern farming business
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MODULE 7 - ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT The candidate will: appreciate the importance of detailed records, planning and good management in a successful IFM
system, including financial, legal and market aspects
be able to identify long and short term farm business objectives be able to familiarise staff and contractors with farm policies and objectives be aware of methods to evaluate current farm practice and of reviewing performance with targets and
timescales for improvement be able to identify the main legislation and regulations applicable be able to identify key management functions to achieve best practice in line with safety and legal
requirements be able to identify the main training needs for those within the business, both legal and developmental understand the range of management tools available to support farmers in business planning, such as
the LEAF Audit
understand the role of schemes such as ‘Investors in People’ to improve people skills
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MODULE 8 - INDICATORS, REVIEWS AND PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
The candidate will:
be able to understand the range of potential indicators such as metrics available to farmers relating to sustainable agriculture
be familiar with performance measurement, benchmarking and auditing, such as the LEAF Audit and LEAF Marque
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MODULE 9 - FOOD CHAIN INTEGRATION, QUALITY, SAFETY AND FARM ASSURANCE The candidate will: have a broad understanding of food safety and quality issues within the food chain
appreciate the developing area of markets, retailers and vertical integration along the food chain will have knowledge of the key systems and standards for managing food quality and safety be able to understand the range of farm assurance schemes available (specifically those that are
independently, externally verified, to include LEAF Marque, Red Tractor, Conservation Grade, Organic , Freedom Foods, etc), the points of distinction, opportunities for farmers and distinction from brands
be able to discuss the philosophy and principles underlying the systems and standards
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MODULE 10 - COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT The candidate will: recognise the importance and opportunity for community engagement
be able to identify support opportunities for farmers to improve their communication and marketing
skills, such as the LEAF Speak Out training be able to identify personal goals for promoting the industry and Integrated Farm Management
practices be able to discuss the importance of positive public engagement understand the benefits that a better understanding of farming and food production can bring through
public engagement, open days and information boards, etc.
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ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN PUTTING
THE SYLLABUS TOGETHER
BASIS Registration Ltd www.basis-reg.com (01335 343945) LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) www.leafuk.org (02476 413911) Alasdair Lowe Ltd (01295 788006) Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust www.gwct.org.uk (01572 717220
(01425 652381) Harper Adams University www.harper-adams.ac.uk (01952 820280)
USEFUL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
www.leafuk.org
LEAF Audit
Simply Sustainable Water
Simply Sustainable Soils
LEAF online resources:
The films on the story of LEAF in Africa, the green bean and pineapple story films can be found here:
http://www.leafuk.org/leaf/consumers/theLEAFmarquecons/LEAFTracks/Africa.eb
The African Fields which is an education ‘virtual farm walk’ can be found here:
http://www.virtualfarmwalk.org/
The IFM training films can be found here:
http://www.leafuk.org/leaf/mediacentre/video/africavideo.eb
The podcast series, http://www.leafuk.org/leaf/mediacentre/podcasts.eb
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BASIS APPROVED TRAINERS
The following Colleges, Trainers and Training Providers have successfully run IFM examinations and have been accepted as BASIS Approved Trainers for IFM: Alasdair Lowe Ltd Please see Training Providers Grange Barn below for further information Birds Lane regarding course / exam dates Epwell BANBURY Oxfordshire OX15 6LQ CAFRE Greenmount Campus Contact: Andrew Murray 22 Greenmount Road Tel: 02894 426820 ANTRIM email: [email protected] Co Antrim Web: www.cafre.ac.uk Northern Ireland, BT41 4PU Trainer: John Purslow Chelmsford & West Essex Training Group Contact: Debbie Wedge 2 Salisbury Cottages, Maldon Rd Tel: 01245 381193 Hatfield Peverel email: [email protected] CHELMSFORD Trainer: Alasdair Lowe Essex CM3 2HS DJL Agronomics Contact / Trainer: Dr Jim Lewis Highgrove House Tel: 07831 120363 Cassbrook Drive email: [email protected] Fulstow Web: www.djlag.co.uk LOUTH LN11 0XR Dorset Training Ltd Contact: Anna Chambers Unit 3 Tel: 01258 837197 / 07734 079495 Deverel Farm email: [email protected] Milborne St Andrew Web: www.dorsettraining.org.uk BLANDFORD FORUM Trainer: Alasdair Lowe Dorset DT11 0HX
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Hampshire Training Providers Ltd Contact: Catherine Mercer c/o Hampshire Grain Ltd Tel: 07884 260798 Overton Road email: [email protected] Micheldever Station Trainer: Julian Lewis / Alasdair Lowe WINCHESTER Web: www.hampshire-training.co.uk Hampshire SO21 3AN Harper Adams University Contact: Lisa Chapman Edgmond Tel: 01952 815300 NEWPORT email: [email protected] Shropshire Web: www.harper-adams.ac.uk/shortcourses/ TF10 8NB Holbeach Marsh Training Group Contact: Lynne Richardson 27 Sorrel Drive Tel: 01775 762977 SPALDING email: [email protected] Lincolnshire Trainer: Simon Goodger PE11 3GN James Christian-Ilett Contact / Trainer: James Christian-Ilett 8 Painshall Close Tel: 01673 860925 Welton email: [email protected] LINCOLN Lincolnshire LN2 3NU J P Agronomy Ltd Contact / Trainer: John Purslow Hall Farm Cottage Tel: 01603 871993 Whitwell email: [email protected] NORWICH Norfolk NR10 4RE Mid Kent Training Contact: Dianne Quested Kempes Corner Farm Tel: 01233 813688 Boughton Aluph email: [email protected] ASHFORD Web: www.midkenttraining.co.uk Kent Trainer: Alasdair Lowe TN25 4EN
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Octopus Agronomy Training Contact: Julian Lewis Hall Farm Tel: 07831 452014 Bentworth email: [email protected] ALTON Trainer: Julian Lewis / Alasdair Lowe Hampshire GU34 5JU SRUC Contact: Moyra Farquhar Kings Building Tel: 0131 535 4000 West Mains Road email: [email protected] EDINBURGH Web: www.sruc.ac.uk Midlothian Trainer: Martin Richards EH9 3JG The Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust: Contact: Katy Machin The Allerton Project Tel: 01572 717220 Loddington House email: [email protected] Loddington Web: www.allertontrust.org.uk LEICESTER Trainer: Alastair Leake LE7 9XE The Training Association (East) Contact: Jayne Parsey High Cottage Tel: 01485 600225 St Andrews Lane email: [email protected] Congham Web: www.traineast.co.uk KINGS LYNN Norfolk, PE32 1DS University of Lincoln Contact: Simon Goodger Riseholme Park Tel: 01522 835295 LINCOLN email: [email protected] Lincolnshire Trainer: Isobel Wright LN2 2LG Web: http://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/departmentofagriculture/shortcourses/ The Vale Training Group Contact: Kate Mason Marsh Hill Farm Tel: 01296 612201 Marsh email: [email protected] AYLESBURY Web: www.valetrainingservices.co.uk Buckinghamshire HP17 8ST
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The following Colleges, Trainers and Training Organisations have expressed an interest in running some, or all, of the training modules and / or the IFM examination. Duchy College Contact: Sue Vanstone Stoke Climsland Tel: 0845 4587485 CALLINGTON email: [email protected] Cornwall Web: www.duchy.ac.uk PL17 8PB Trainer: Alex Stephens Writtle College Contact / Trainer: Henry Matthews Lordship Road Tel: 01245 424200 Writtle email: [email protected] CHELMSFORD Web: www.writtle.ac.uk Essex CM1 3RR Acknowledgements This syllabus has been developed by LEAF and BASIS in association with GWCT, Harper Adams University
and Alasdair Lowe Ltd.
17 October 2016
