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Latest LEAF Marque Standard Unveiled

After an extensive public consultation, LEAF Marque, one of the world’s leading environmental assurance systems for sustainable farming announces the publication of the latest version of its Standard.

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The new version of the LEAF Marque Standard includes exciting developments in four key areas – animal husbandry, soil health, biodiversity and community engagement. Its global relevance has been strengthened to reflect different production systems and steps taken to ensure consistency in language and a greater emphasis on continual improvement and efficiency throughout.

The 2-year public consultation process involved a broad sweep of interested parties, from LEAF members, farmers, scientists to environmental organisations, governments, commercial partners and members of the public. Their views have helped shaped and determine the future direction of the LEAF Marque Standard which will be published on the 1st October 2019 and take effect from the 1st January 2020.

Commenting on the publication of the revised Standard, LEAF Marque Chairman, Tom Green said:

“LEAF welcomes constructive stakeholder engagement and dialogue and I wish to thank the many individuals and organisations who engaged in the LEAF Marque Standard consultation process. Third-party scrutiny and stakeholder engagement are central to our values and our commitment to respond to the constantly evolving field of sustainable farming. By honouring this commitment, we can maintain our world-leading standards.”

“The LEAF Marque Standard is continually evolving. We are proud of the revisions we have made. The farming industry is facing huge changes. Much attention is focussed on the nature of our trading relationships with other countries – both within and outside the EU. Whilst we do not have clear answers yet, what is clear is that LEAF Marque certified farmers will be on the front foot.”

Since its launch in 2003, LEAF Marque has provided a credible, independent, third party mechanism recognising and rewarding good sustainable farming practice in the marketplace.

Cont../

Today, it is one of the leading environmental assurance systems working with 973 growers in 27 countries, representing 375, 679 hectares of crop around the globe. In the UK, 39% of UK fruit and vegetables are grown by LEAF Marque certified businesses.

Jenny Clark, Assurance Manager at LEAF added:

LEAF is a listening organisation and works hard to understand and meet evolving expectations of sustainability, while maintaining a programme that is also practical, accessible and science-based. Reviewing the LEAF Marque Standard is a huge opportunity to engage with people from across the food supply chain. The changes we have made raise the bar on a number of important issues around sustainable soil management and livestock production as well as meeting the needs of our growers across the globe.”

The LEAF Marque Standard v1.50 will be published on the 1st October 2019 and come into effect on the 1st January 2020. For more information click here.

To find out more about LEAF’s Global Impacts click here.

Full press release.