Fresh produce supplier Fresh Direct has achieved its pledge to source all contracted British produce from Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) Marque-accredited growers. Achieving LEAF standards ensures that Fresh Direct's growers are independently verified against a robust farm sustainability standard, driving continuous improvements in soil health, biodiversity, water and energy management to deliver more responsibly grown British produce.
Fresh Direct has now created partnerships with suppliers to implement more sustainable farming initiatives, based on regenerative farming principles that aim to promote biodiversity and nature while producing food. The company is collaborating with regenerative farming consultancy Regen Future Co to pilot projects with three of its progressive growers – FreshGro, Len Wright Salads and Barfoots. These growers provide a testbed spanning a diverse range of farming systems and UK regions.
Fresh Direct and Regen Future Co have created locally appropriate interventions that will help identify the opportunities and challenges growers face in putting regenerative principles, as defined by LEAF Marque, into practice.
Pete Statham, head of European sustainability for Fresh Direct's parent company, Sysco GB, said: "Climate and extreme weather are making it increasingly difficult to grow food, and we're committed to partnering with our suppliers to build resilient supply chains and secure the future of food."
Read more at The Caterer
