In 2019 43% of produce in the UK was grown on LEAF Marque certified farms, representing the eighth consecutive increase in these figures.
This comes as LEAF introduced its 8th Global Report which included a ‘pioneering’ new approach within the LEAF Marque Standard, introducing outcome-based control points to better demonstrate the impact LEAF Marque certified businesses are having. “With UK government discussions around ‘public money for public goods’ there could not be a more important time for those supplying into UK markets to really demonstrate what they can deliver,” says the organisation.
As part of the process, LEAF asked growers and farmers how prepared they might be to monitor habitat and species on farm.
Monitoring Biodiversity monitoring of some form was undertaken by all farmers, with 38% of the UK farmers interviewed taking part in the Big Farmland Bird Count. Many also engage with experts for a range of advice on biodiversity as well as soil health and energy efficiency. Results from monitoring are often used as evidence for audits and rural payment schemes.
A wide range of habitat could be found on the UK farms interviewed, including naturally occurring habitat, such as woodland, hedges, permanent grassland and ponds, and those introduced to enhance quality and species, namely field margins and corners, wild-flower, nectar and pollen strips, beetle banks, reservoirs and wild bird cover. All of LEAF members recognised the value of increasing habitat area and recognised the link between quality habitat and improvement in biodiversity. Farmers reported on a wide variety of species including birds, pollinators, mammals and reptiles. However, the barrier of weighing up the cost of increasing habitat against the need to improve productivity was noted.
“As we enter the new decade, environmental sustainability and the urgent need for action to reverse climate change are widely recognised as priority issues, as is the health and well-being agenda. Consumers are increasingly searching for guidance and assurance that their purchasing choices, where we can all make a difference, can deliver a positive impact. In agriculture this means assurance of sustainable food supply systems and sustainable diets. In this context, it is very encouraging that the recently published UK Agriculture Bill, for the first time, places a duty on Ministers to encourage environmental and animal welfare benefits, and this is wholly consistent with government’s commitment to reach net carbon zero by 2050. These are all matters which are central to the mission and objectives of LEAF Marque and all of our farmers and partners in the supply chain,” says Tom Green, LEAF Marque Chairman.
There are currently 936 LEAF Marque certified businesses. “This is a vital time for sustainable farming. Farmers are on the front line of climate change solutions – reducing carbon emissions, building healthier and more productive soils, delivering better air and water quality and enhancing biodiversity. The achievements outlined in this, our eighth Global Impacts Report, show that LEAF Marque certification is one of the most effective frameworks for mobilising advances in sustainable farming across the globe.,” he added.