LEAF Marque Standard v16.1

WHAT IS LEAF MARQUE CERTIFICATION?

LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) Marque is an environmental assurance system that recognizes more sustainably farmed products, and it emphasizes the principles of LEAF’s Integrated Farm Management (IFM). The IFM approach focuses on delivering sustainable farming by utilizing modern technology and traditional methods to achieve prosperous farming while enriching the environment and engaging local communities.

The certification entails demonstrating continuous improvement across various aspects of farming, including organization, soil management, crop health, pollution control, animal husbandry, energy efficiency, water management, landscape and nature conservation, and community engagement. 

LEAF Marque's ambition is to build resilient businesses, develop climate resilience, improve nature and biodiversity, drive supply chain innovation, and engage consumers in positive change. The certification is held by businesses in 19 countries and covers over 310,000 hectares worldwide. 

Tesco has committed to having all their fresh produce worldwide certified to the LEAF Marque standard by phases by end of 2024.

BENEFITS OF LEAF MARQUE

LEAF Marque is recognized by major food traders and buyers in the world. By becoming LEAF Marque certified production, business can unlock a series of benefits:

• Environmental Sustainability: Adopting LEAF Marque signifies a commitment to sustainable farming practices, including soil and water management, biodiversity conservation, and reduced chemical usage. This helps to protect the environment and promote long-term sustainability.
• Market Access: The LEAF Marque certification can provide access to markets that prioritize sustainable and environmentally friendly products. It enhances the marketability of produce, connecting farmers to retailers and consumers seeking responsibly produced goods.
• Consumer Confidence: By carrying the LEAF Marque logo, products demonstrate to consumers that they have been produced in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner, grooming increased trust in your food products.
• Continuous Improvement: The LEAF Marque certification process involves strong commitment to ongoing improvement, with certified farmers regularly assessed and provided with guidance on sustainable farming practices. This helps drive continual advancement and innovation on the farm.

WHAT’S IN THE STANDARDS?

The LEAF Marque Assurance System is underpinned by the LEAF Marque Standard. This is the only Standard in the LEAF Marque System, and it is applicable globally, to all enterprises. The LEAF Marque Standard has a whole-farm approach and is based on the principles of Integrated Farm Management (IFM). It is supplementary and complementary to LEAF Marque approved baseline certification systems (Ex: GLOBALG.A.P. Fruit & Vegetables, Combinable Crops, etc.) which ensure risks relating to food safety, animal welfare and environmental legislation are minimized

A farm business managed to IFM principles will demonstrate site-specific and continuous improvement across the whole farm including:

LEAF Marque’s Intended Outcomes: Is to deliver positive action for climate, nature, economy, and society transforming farming and food at an increasingly global level through:

• Support farmer resilience and build farming businesses that are environmentally and economically resilient.
• Create synergies with people, farming systems and wider society to share knowledge throughout the food system.
• Minimize the effects of the environment on livestock and minimize negative impacts of livestock systems on the environment.
• Create more diverse, improved, and connected habitats to protect and enhance biodiversity.
• Manage water efficiently to improve water quality, reduce pollution and enhance climate resilience.
• Improved soil conservation and restoration practices, that promote soil quality, health, and nutrition, to improve soil functionality.
• Implement effective IPM solutions to produce healthy crops and plants that require minimal interventions.
• Sustainable sourcing, monitoring and use of resources that support responsible waste reduction practices.
• Improved energy use and efficiency, via monitoring and sourcing of renewable energy and the implementation of strategies to reduce GHG emissions.
• Implement regenerative practices to mitigate the negative impacts of farming, sequester carbon and improve soil and ecosystem health.

6 STEPS TO LEAF MARQUE CERTIFICATION

1. Join LEAF
Join LEAF the charity membership provides you with the tools to demonstrate your environmental and business commitment.

2. Complete the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review
The LEAF Sustainable Farming Review is a self-assessment online management tool to help farmers farm more sustainably. It enables them to monitor their performance, identify strengths and weaknesses and set targets for improvement across the whole farm.

3. Prepare your business
Imple­ment Inte­grat­ed Farm Man­age­ment and work towards becom­ing com­pli­ant with the LEAF Mar­que Standard.

4. Register and complete an application form provided by your certification body
As an approved Certification Body for LEAF Marque, Eurofins Assurance is geared to support the sustainable farming practice of LEAF members on LEAF Marque Standard V16.1.

5. Arrange an appointment with us for a first inspection.
Your inspec­tion can be con­duct­ed at the same time as oth­er farm assur­ance schemes.

6. Once you successfully comply with the standard’s requirements, you will receive a LEAF Marque Certificate.

LEAF MARQUE & GLOBALG.A.P. Nurture Module

The Nurture Module, a private add-on in GLOBALG.A.P. for Tesco, is created for the Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) standard for producers that supply to Tesco. It focuses on plant protection product List (PPPL) management for the fruit and vegetables/ ​flowers and ornamentals product categories. This module is audited in combination with the GLOBALG.A.P. IFA standards.  

Tesco has committed to having all their fresh produce worldwide certified to the LEAF Marque standard by phases by end of 2024. The timing of the Tesco requirement is according to regions:

• Phase 1: Europe (excl. Turkey), North America: by January 31^st 2024
• Phase 2: Kenya, Chile, Guatemala, India: by June 30^th 2024
• Phase 3: All remaining countries: by December 31^st 2024

Eurofins is approved to run, GLOBALG.A.P., Nurture Scheme and LEAF Marque. Send us enquiry anytime for details, or contact our local offices for support!

WHY EUROFINS ASSURANCE?

Eurofins Food Assurance companies are part of the Eurofins Group, a world leader in testing, inspection, and certification services across industries including food and feed, consumer products, healthcare and cosmetics, and many more. With a network of more than 1,000 companies across more than 50 countries, our focus is on innovation, technological leadership, and customer service.

• Experts in food safety: Our technical teams and auditors are from the industry and have a deep understanding of food safety regulations worldwide
• Complete network of services: Thanks to one single entry point, customers have access to all they need. Eurofins is a network of fully independent companies offering business assurance and TIC services
• Robust experience: With over 25 years of experience, Eurofins Food Assurance offers customers the best support to identify and mitigate risks along their supply chain             
• Global and local geographical coverage: Our auditors and consultants are based all over the world, allowing us to offer a local service across the globe.
• Complete network of services: We apply good practices in all services to our customers.
• Digital intelligence: Our digital platform, Eurofins Assurance OnLine.

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