The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has praised one of Herefordshire’s most diverse agricultural businesses for its conservation efforts and the successful integration of polytunnels into the local countryside.

Homme Farm, run by Eric Drummond at Ross-on-Wye was the setting for the rural economy experts visit. The CLA was given a tour of the farm’s four operating divisions – arable, soft fruit, poultry and turf – all of which are grown, harvested and distributed to supermarket chains across the UK Despite the demands the Herefordshire farm has, CLA West Midlands regional director, Caroline Bedell, praised the conservation efforts being made by Mr Drummond.

“We were delighted to hear that wildlife numbers are above average and thriving within the mixed farming regime. Hedges were also mentioned and the assembled group heard how over two miles of new hedge had been planted over recent times. It was also pleasing to see that Mr Drummond has created new ponds and habitats that have increased the bio diversity of the farm.”

On a tour of the strawberry fields the rural membership body was shown the latest picking rigs, which are being used to reduce the reliance on seasonal workers as well as make working conditions better for them. Fruit is picked from April through to October with the use of polytunnels.

Caroline Bedell continued: “CLA members were impressed with the hard work that the Drummond family had put in to integrate the polytunnels into the countryside. The use of small blocks of polytunnels and the careful use of high hedge-screening has all helped with their integration.”

Eric Drummond said: “We are aware of the controversy that polytunnels sometimes create and we are doing all we can to minimise their impact on the countryside. That said, they are essential for us to grow enough good tasting fruit to meet the demands of the UK consumer.

“We work closely with the retailers and, ultimately, the consumer to produce products that are market driven.

“Within the mix of varieties is the ability to produce premium-tasting fruit, which the consumer increasingly requires.”