Asda has started rolling out Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) Marque certification on its fresh produce in an effort to strengthen its environmental standards.
All UK-based fresh produce in the supermarket will feature the LEAF certification mark by May next year, with worldwide suppliers expected to be certified by the end of 2025.
LEAF Marque is an environmental assurance scheme, showing that food has been grown sustainably. Some sustainable farming practices it acknowledges include soil and water management, energy efficiency, waste management, carbon sequestration, energy use and enrichment of biodiversity.
The LEAF Marque environmental assurance system offers growers a framework to help them monitor their performance, identify strengths and weaknesses and set targets for improvement across the whole farm.
Asda anticipates that the LEAF system will help it reach its goal of being carbon net-zero by 2040.
Jane Berry, vice president and managing director of IPL, Asda’s wholly owned procurement and logistics business, said: “We have always known that we couldn’t go on this journey alone, so it is fantastic to work in tandem with LEAF and our valued fresh produce suppliers who are committed to continually improving and making a difference.”
Clare Mike, director of business development at LEAF, said it is “delighted” that Asda has adopted the LEAF Marque.
“With sustainability becoming increasingly important to consumers and the green agenda taking root, it’s great to see Asda setting ambitious goals.
“Overwhelmingly, their willingness to embrace change and adapt to challenges signals a time of transformation and positive change.
“Together with the determination and commitment of their growers, we are making real and lasting differences to addressing the climate emergency and the sustainability of the world’s farming and food systems,” she said.
At the end of 2021, LEAF announced a target for 85% of all UK fruit and vegetables to be grown more sustainably to LEAF Marque standards.
