Overview
The aim of farming on the Lees Court Estate is to maximise profit by producing crops with the highest quality and yield from a sustainable agricultural system, whilst conserving the natural environment.
The Farm is a member of LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming). This includes a bi-annual audit to encourage the farm to adopt the aims and principles of Integrated Crop Management (ICM). ICM is a method of farming that balances the requirements of running a profitable business with responsibility and sensitivity to the environment. It includes practices that minimise waste, enhance energy efficiency and minimize pollution. ICM combines the best of modern technology with some basic principles of good farming practices and is a whole farm, long-term strategy. Since 2011 the Estate has participated in the LEAF project, “Let Nature Feed Your Senses”.
The Farm is also undertaking the Voluntary Initiative. This is an initiative for spray operatives to continually develop better management skills and standards in regards to pesticides and fertilizers.
Charles Ireland of Ceres Rural oversees the farm management and agronomy for Gosmere Farm Partnerships, Lees Court Farms and Lees Court Crops.
Gosmere Farms Partnership is the in-hand farm for Lees Court Estate.
Lees Court Crops was set up in 2021 following a joint venture with CO2 Extractions Ltd
CO2 Extraction Limited specialise in the extraction of high-value active compounds from botanicals using Super Critical Fluid Extraction (SFCE). They are based in Morecambe, Lancashire and are establishing an eco extraction hub in the North West (UK). They also work in partnership with Lancaster University and are able to offer both R&D and Commercial scale extraction capability.