LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) has revealed another year of significant progress in its mission to deliver more sustainable food and farming. The area of land around the world growing LEAF Marque crops increased by 28% since last year, according to the findings of its latest annual Global Impacts Report, which was launched today, 8th April.
LEAF reports strong and steady growth in the number of LEAF Marque certified businesses across the globe, which now totals 992, representing 342,556 hectares in 37 countries. Worldwide, 137 different crops are grown by LEAF Marque certified businesses with cereals and horticulture being the two largest sectors.
In the UK alone, 33% of all fruit and vegetables are produced on LEAF Marque certified businesses, up from 25% the previous year. For some crops, the percentage is much higher – with the majority of leeks (88.6%), beetroot (76.3%), spring onions (75.5%), watercress (73.8%) and lettuce (70%) being grown by LEAF Marque certified businesses.
LEAF Chief Executive, Caroline Drummond MBE said: “The fact that one in three hectares of UK fruits and vegetables is grown by a LEAF Marque business is cause for celebration on its own but the results of our fourth Global Impacts Report are much greater than that. Farmers all over the world are continuing to invest in LEAF’s Integrated Farm Management as a way to not only make their businesses more profitable, but to address the future food needs of a growing population as well as safeguard the world’s precious resources. It is clear that LEAF members are making steady improvements in farming sustainably, with more businesses monitoring areas such as water use, soil management and crop health, and an increasing number of businesses communicating with staff and customers about sustainable farming.”
The report also highlighted the substantial improvements made by LEAF Marque certified businesses in key areas of sustainable farming. More businesses are now monitoring nitrogen efficiency (47% increase year-on year), carbon footprint (53% increase) and crop health – with a 44% increase in the number of LEAF Marque certified businesses taking steps to minimise damage to beneficial species. There was also a 12% increase in the number of LEAF Marque certified businesses who allocate a minimum of 5% land for habitat management.
Caroline Drummond added: “This growth and momentum, through the commitment of our members, is driving lasting change in the way our land is farmed, rewarding good practice and catalysing improvement where needed to meet the growing global demand for certified sustainably produced food. Our growers are making great strides in delivering more sustainable farming through the principles of Integrated Farm Management, and have been since our first report was published in 2012.
“Market demand for more sustainable food and farming is helping to drive positive change in how our land is farmed and managed. As more retailers and processors choose LEAF Marque certified products, more farmers will benefit from the opportunities that higher demand for sustainable food and farming can deliver.
“LEAF has always been an innovative organisation. As we look ahead to our next 25 years and beyond, we will continue to strengthen the rigour, transparency and credibility of our LEAF Marque standard, underpinned by the principles of the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice. We will continue to build on our evidence base on how our members are delivering positive outcomes for delivering more sustainable farming across the globe. The future is full of potential.”
LEAF’s 2016 Global Impacts Report – Delivering More Sustainable Food and Farming – was launched today at the inaugural LEAF Marque Summit. A copy of the report is available online at www.leafuk.org.
To commemorate its 25th year anniversary this year, LEAF will be holding a number of events. As well as the LEAF Marque Summit, other events include an Integrated Farm Management conference (19th May 2016) and a Consumer Engagement conference later this year. LEAF also runs the annual Open Farm Sunday initiative, running this year on 5th June. For more information, please visit www.leafuk.org
