Conservation Grade farming

The protocol, founded in the 1980s, is scientifically validated, has an annual audit and consists of seven elements. Farmers must commit 10% of their farmed land for the process; undergo training; comply with production standards; create their own environmental statement; have membership of an appropriate assurance scheme; pass an annual verification; and be a member of the Guild of Conservation Grade Producers.



LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming)

LEAF, which was set up in 1991, describes itself as the environmental complement to farm and food assurance schemes. It covers issues such as waste recycling, communication and wildlife conservation. Thousands of farmers are involved, but it can take years to achieve LEAF Marque standards.



Freedom Foods

Set up by the RSPCA in 1994, Freedom Foods is a farm assurance and food labelling scheme implementing the RSPCA species-specific welfare standards on farms, hauliers and abattoirs. The standards mean animals are free from distress, hunger, pain and disease, and have freedom to express normal behaviour. Members are subject to a detailed audit, reassessments and random checks.