ALDI STEPS UP SUSTAINABILITY AMBITIONS WITH LEAF CERTIFICATION BY END OF 2023
Aldi, now Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket, is accelerating its sustainability commitments across its entire UK fresh produce supply chain through LEAF Marque certification.
The value supermarket is aiming for all its UK fresh produce growers to be certified by LEAF (Linking Environment And Farming) by the end of 2023. LEAF is an environmental assurance system that recognises more sustainably farmed products and is based on the sustainable farming principles of Integrated Farm Management (IFM). This is a nine-point, whole-farm business approach that uses both modern technology and traditional methods to deliver farming that enriches the environment and engages local communities.
The system will support Aldi’s growers to advance their farming practices in key areas such as soil and water management, reducing waste, enhancing wildlife and biodiversity, energy efficiency, and carbon footprint.
“A significant step”
Commenting on the move, Liz Fox, corporate responsibility director at Aldi UK, said: “We are committed to reducing our environmental impact wherever possible – including lowering greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste and increasing our sustainable sourcing – while offering high-quality products at unbeatable prices. Working with LEAF is a significant step in our journey to achieving our sustainability goals.”
Clare Mike, LEAF’s director of business development, added: “Retailers have a critical role to play in driving forward and supporting more climate-positive approaches to food production. Through our certification, underpinned by nature-based farming principles and backed up by our extensive demonstration, technical and education activities, our certified farmers are making significant advances in combating the effects of climate change.”
The LEAF Marque, incorporating the principles of regenerative agriculture, currently operates in 19 countries and represents all farming sectors, including fresh produce, combinable crops, livestock, flowers, and ornamentals.
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