Sustainable farming organization, LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) has released its latest Global Impacts Report, showing the continued progress of LEAF Marque-certified businesses in delivering more sustainable, climate-positive farming and food systems.
Showcasing the achievements of its growers, the report highlights the steps being taken to meet important global targets as set out in the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the UK government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. These include reducing carbon emissions, building healthier and more productive soils, delivering better air and water quality and enhancing biodiversity.
In the UK, nearly half (45%) of all fruit and vegetables are produced sustainably by LEAF Marque certified businesses, including the majority of leeks (98%), broccoli and celery (95%) and lettuce (90%). Globally, 299,185 hectares of land is producing LEAF Marque crops with cereals and horticulture being the two largest sectors. The report also reveals continued growth in the flower and ornamental sector.
Launching the report, Tom Green, LEAF Marque Chairman, said: “With farmers from 21 countries worldwide being certified LEAF Marque and 45% of UK fruit and vegetables being produced on LEAF Marque farms, this report tells an encouraging story. These numbers not only recognize the management practices used on those farms and the demonstrated incremental benefits for sustainability but, critically, they also provide independent assurance to the many brands, retailers and consumers that are supplied by those producers. I would like to thank our many supply chain partners and farmers, whose commitment and leadership enables us, together, to continue to ‘raise the bar’ for the good of our planet and future generations.”
The report comes as LEAF recently launched its new 10-year strategy ahead of its 30th anniversary later this year. LEAF Marque certification forms a cornerstone of the organizations' ambitions to drive change at a grassroots level by developing and demonstrating regenerative, agro-ecological farming approaches, environmental enrichment and leadership in education and engaging society - in the UK and across the globe.
For more information:
LEAF
Stoneleigh Park, Kenilworth
Warwickshire CV8 2LG
+44 (0)247 6413 911
enquiries@leafuk.org
leafuk.org