How Linking Environment & Farming (LEAF) help consumers make sustainable choices

LEAF (environment) (1)

Integrated farm management: help farmers produce good food with care & to high environmental standards through IFM

• supports conservation & improvement of soil

• use of pest control measures with minimal impact on the environment & human health

• effective water management

• reduced reliance on fossil fuels

• pollution control

• animal welfare & conservation of landscape & wildlife

Leaf marque

LEAF provide robust, transparent & credible global assurance system – recognised by full membership of ISEAL alliance. Stands for more environmental sustainability – healthy farm businesses – meet rigorous standards of sustainable farming practice. Certified businesses have been independently verified against the robust LEAF marque standard

Producers

LEAF provide a range of support & services for farmers such as:

• Booklet as a guide for members which goes through key principles of each section of IFM & the benefits of following an integrated approach

• Self-assessment online management tool based on IFM to help members monitor their performance, identify strengths & weaknesses & set targets for improvements across the farm

• Keep members informed about latest research & practices in IFM

Consumers (raise consumer awareness)

LEAF marque certification assures consumers that food has been environmentally sustainably produced & empowers consumers to make positive changes through their purchasing decisions

(1)

Encourage farmers to communicate what they’re doing & why to everyone working on & around the farm, including the local community to help them understand farming & rural environment & address their concerns, needs & expectations of the countryside & food production

Example

farmers at LEAF demonstration farms communicate, discuss & demonstrate IFM best practice amongst other farmers & also play a critical role in promoting sustainable farming to wider groups e.g. politicians, industry & students

Future (LEAF education)

aim = to inspire & educate future generations about farming, food & countryside to help them make informed decisions about food. Provide resources for schools & training for farmers to enable them to communicate & educate through initiatives e.g. farm visits & ‘facetime a farmer’

LEAF 10 year strategy 2021-2031

an advancement of their work in developing & promoting more sustainable agriculture through IFM