EAF Launches Version 17.0 of its Global Sustainable Agriculture Standard

LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) has launched the latest version of its LEAF Marque Standard, version 17.0, marking a significant evolution in the assurance of more sustainable farming. This update underscores LEAF’s commitment to providing a globally relevant and practical framework to build more resilient farming and food systems. The comprehensive review was undertaken with extensive stakeholder engagement from leading farmers, academics, food retailers, and producers worldwide. This collaborative process was supported by public consultations and overseen by the LEAF Marque Technical Advisory Committee.

The Standard has been developed as a pragmatic model that can be applied on a wide range of farming systems globally in the context of a commercial operating model. Over the past three years, LEAF Marque has experienced rapid expansion, growing from 922 certified businesses in 2022 (64% of which were based in the UK) to 3,100 certified businesses across 55 countries today, including more than 500 Producer Groups. In response to this continued growth, the roll-out of version 17.0 is backed by a significant investment in new IT infrastructure. This enhanced infrastructure will improve efficiencies, data collection and reporting, and governance oversight for both farmers and supply chain owners in partnership with Dutch Agri-IT specialists, Agriplace.

Key updates in version 17.0 of the Standard include an enhanced environmental focus, addressing vital sustainability challenges in agriculture. New requirements now cover habitat area (with a minimum of 5%), soil health, regenerative farming, water management, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, peat, livestock, and food waste. These updates reflect the growing importance of addressing environmental issues in agriculture while maintaining productivity and economic viability.

Another significant aspect of the updated Standard is its global relevance. The revised framework broadens its scope to better support diverse farming systems and geographies, including LEAF Marque’s growing network of international producers, currently located across 55 countries. This expansion ensures that the Standard remains adaptable to the unique challenges and opportunities faced by farmers in different regions, promoting sustainable agriculture on a global scale.

Version 17.0 of the Standard also incorporates Core and Advanced controls, enabling greater flexibility for application through supply chains. This versatility allows for tailored approaches to sustainability, accommodating the varying needs and capabilities of different stakeholders. By offering a range of controls, the Standard empowers farmers and supply chain owners to choose the most appropriate measures to achieve sustainable farming goals.

The launch of LEAF Marque version 17.0 represents a major milestone in the organization’s mission to drive sustainable agriculture. With a growing global network and a commitment to continuous improvement, LEAF Marque is well-positioned to support the transition towards more resilient and environmentally responsible farming systems. As the demand for sustainable food products continues to rise, the updated Standard provides a robust framework for farmers, retailers, and producers to collaborate and innovate in the pursuit of a healthier planet and a more sustainable food system.