Sustainable food and farming organisation LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) has announced its progress in the mission to enable sustainable farming across the world.
Launching its fifth Global Impacts Report, the UK charity revealed that it is continuing to consolidate a strong position in the cereals and horticulture sectors and that progress is also being seen in the livestock sector.
The organisation uses the environmental assurance system 'LEAF Marque', which is a system recognising more sustainably farmed products.
The total number of LEAF Marque businesses in all sectors across the globe now totals 1,013 covering 367,395 hectares. Cereals and horticulture remain the two largest sectors amongst LEAF Marque certified businesses: cereals represent 53% of total LEAF Marque crop area (194,441 ha – up 8%), while horticulture represents 41% of total LEAF Marque crop area (152,033 ha – up 5%).
Although livestock makes up a much smaller amount, 24% more livestock and poultry businesses are now rearing animals to the LEAF Marque Standard. In total, 596,620 animals, including poultry, are reared to this standard.
In the fresh produce sector, LEAF Marque has further consolidated its strong position, with 1 in 3 hectares of UK fruit and vegetables being grown to the LEAF Marque Standard.
In fact, 90% of leeks and 88% of beetroot, by area, are LEAF Marque certified. Meanwhile, watercress and asparagus have seen the greatest increases with 83% and 82% respectively now grown on LEAF Marque certified businesses.
'Continued improvements'
Kathryn Green, Sustainability Manager at LEAF said: “The results highlighted in our latest Global Impacts Report show continued improvements in how our producers are managing their soil and water, conserving energy, protecting their crops, enhancing wildlife habitats and reaching out to their local communities.”
“This progress is hugely encouraging but there is much scope for expansion, particularly within the livestock and dairy sectors. Increasing the number of LEAF Marque certified businesses in these sectors is a key part of our five year strategy so this is an area we will continue to focus on.
“What is clear though is that farmers across the world are making important sustainability commitments and are choosing to realise them through LEAF Marque certification; in doing so they represent a powerful force for change.”
