Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from users of the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review.  If you have any additional questions, please email: review@leafuk.org  we will aim to respond to your email within 48 hours.

 

How does the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review differ from the LEAF Audit?

The LEAF Sustainable Farm Review replaces the LEAF Audit.  The principles behind the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review are the same.  New features include:

  • A reduced question set which focuses on the principles of IFM
  • Inclusion of supporting practices which show how you carry out the principle of IFM within your business
  • The ability to upload Supporting Information such as your Whole Farm Conservation Plan or images of your practices
  • An improve layout for the Actions and Comments you make
  • Improved navigation

 

How long will it take to complete?

Generally, the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review takes between 3 to 5 hours to complete. The more time you put into in, the more you and your business will benefit from it.

 

How does the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review link in with other computer programs?

The LEAF Sustainable Farming Review works alongside other on-farm management programs. The information in the Review does not duplicate or draw down information in other programs, so there is no need for it to be fully integrated with other on-farm management programs.  The Review will help you manage and integrate all your programs more effectively.

 

Do I have to complete all of the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review in one sitting?

No.  You can do as much or as little as you want.    You can go back into the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review at any time and start where you left off. Just remember to save as you go along!

 

There are three ‘save’ buttons on each page, do I need to use all of them?

Yes.  If you have entered any actions or comments, you need to use the ‘save’ button. Likewise, when you have fully completed a statement, use the ‘Save Progress’ button at the bottom of each page.

 

What is the IFM reference code?

This is an unique code given to each statement in the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review.

 

If I have no livestock do I still have to complete the 'Animal Husbandry' section?

No, if you have no livestock within your business, you can mark the 'Animal Husbandry' section as 'Not Applicable' using the button at the beginning of that particular section.   This will then mark all statements in that section as not applicable.

 

I am completing the Sustainable Farming Review as a requirement for LEAF Marque certification, what do I do next?

When you have completed the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review, download your Record of Completion and Action Plan through the 'Downloads' tab. Next, download a copy of the LEAF Marque standard and make sure you comply with all the control points.  When you are satisfied you do, contact your certification body.   Here are the certification bodies that are able to carry out LEAF Marque inspections.

 

How do I change my farm details?

You can changr you farm details and production information as part of the 'Organisation and Planning' area of the Review or through the 'My Account' button on the top right of the page. Edit your details here and save any changes.

 

How do I change my password?

You can change your password at any time by going to the ‘My Account’ button on the top right of the page.

 

Some of the documents and pictures I have uploaded do not appear in the main Supporting Information section, why is this?

When you upload documents and picture, make sure you press the ‘Add’ button at the end of each upload.

 

I want to amend one of my responses to a statement, can I?

Yes.  You can go back into a section and amend your response to a statement at any time during that year.  If you are already in a section, use the ‘previous’ button at the end of the page to find the statement you want to edit, or go to the home page, select the section you want and scroll through the section using the horizontal bar at the end of the page.  When you hover over the bar, the title of the statement will appear.   This will enable you to easily navigate your way through the section. Once you have started the following year's Review, you will no longer be able to edit your responses.

 

I seem to be selecting ‘not started’ for a lot of statements, does this matter?

Absolutely not!  The Review is not a test that you pass or fail.  In fact, we would not expect you to be ‘fully achieving’ every statement. It is simply designed to get you thinking. It is all about helping your business implement Integrated Farm Management and continuous improvement!

 

Do I have to do the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review every year?

Yes.  We would recommend that the Review is completed every year. Done on an annual basis, you will be able to measure progress, see whether you’ve met your targets and consider priorities and make the most of the opportunity to step back and appraise your business.

 

Does someone come out and check that I’ve completed the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review?

No.  The LEAF Sustainable Farming Review is first and foremost, a self-assessment management tool.  It is however, a requirement of LEAF Marque certification that you complete the Review.  Only if you are being inspected for LEAF Marque will evidence be required that you have completed the Review.

 

I am in the middle of a section and my computer has frozen, what do I do?

Press the ‘Esc’ button (top left of your keyboard) and this should rectify the problem.