Fruit and vegetable wholesaler Fresh Direct is strengthening its environmental standards by ensuring that all contracted UK fresh produce growers will be Leaf Marque certified by the end of 2025.
Leaf Marque encourages growers to continuously improve upon key sustainability metrics on their farms through benchmarking progress against practices related to nature, climate, society and economy.
The move will see growers supporting Fresh Direct’s commitment to sustainable farming practices by focusing on key areas, including: ensuring positive action for climate change through energy efficiency and reduced carbon footprints; improved soil and water management; waste reduction; and enhancing wildlife and biodiversity.
“As a business, we are not only committed to reducing our impact on the environment, but also to ensuring we make a positive contribution to a more sustainable future for farming. And we want to work with growers who share that vision,” said Fresh Direct MD Andy Pembroke.
“Making this pledge for all our contracted UK fresh produce to be Leaf Marque certified represents a real step forward for our sector and we are grateful for the support of our growers who have really stepped up to the challenge.”
Leaf director, technical and business development, Clare Mike added: “This exemplifies the kind of collaborative action needed across the agri-food sector to drive meaningful change. By aligning its supply chain with Leaf Marque standards, Fresh Direct is not only enhancing the sustainability of its operations but also setting a precedent for others to follow.
“It is through such leadership and commitment that we can accelerate the transition to more sustainable farming practices and build a resilient food system for the future.”
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