A MEMBER of a government body promoting sustainability has visited a farm in Herefordshire.

Jeremy Pope, from the Implementation Group - the driving force behind the Government's Sustainable Farming and Food Strategy - called in at 7Y Rural Services, at Wharton Court, near Leominster.

7Y now has 500 members from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire after being founded 12 years ago.

Among the services it offers is a "machinery ring" - helping farmers and rural businesses to share valuable machinery - and a labour and training agency. It has also launched Bioganix, a composting venture which turns waste organic matter into fertiliser.

7Y managing director Julian Morgan said: "Mr Pope was interested in seeing a real life example of a viable business which will enable farmers and rural businesses to perform better. I think he was very impressed."

Mr Pope said: "7Y is a classic example of how working together can reduce costs and bring added value for the community.

"By seeing best practice in action we are able to put our efforts into initiatives that work, like machinery rings and purchasing co-operatives, and so improve the relationship between local food producers and large business like supermarkets."