Update comes as use of the LEAF Marque expands significantly across the globe
Linking Environment And Farming has launched the latest iteration of its LEAF Marque Standard – version 17.0 – which it says represents a significant evolution in the assurance of more sustainable farming.
The comprehensive review was undertaken with extensive stakeholder engagement from leading farmers, academics, food retailers and producers worldwide, according to LEAF. It added that it was carried out alongside public consultations and overseen by the LEAF Marque Technical Advisory Committee.
LEAF said the standard has been developed ”as a pragmatic model that can be applied on a wide range of farming systems globally in the context of a commercial operating model”.
Key updates include:
- Enhanced environmental focus: new requirements address vital sustainability challenges in agriculture including habitat area (5 per cent minimum), soil health, regenerative farming, water management, GHG emissions, peat, livestock, and food waste.
- Global relevance: the updated standard broadens its scope to better support diverse farming systems and geographies, including LEAF Marque’s growing network of international producers, who are currently located across 55 countries.
- Unique versatility – version 17.0 of the standard incorporates Core and Advanced controls, which LEAF said enables greater flexibility for application through supply chains aligned to specific areas of environmental focus. This includes tailoring to reflect localised sustainability needs across the globe.
- Integration with the LEAF Sustainable Farming Review (LSFR): the new version integrates more closely with the LSFR, offering a robust framework for continuous improvement on sustainability goals and ensuring producers are well prepared for their LEAF Marque audit.
The updates reflect LEAF’s continued commitment to supporting farmers in delivering more sustainable farming while maintaining productivity and profitability, the organisation said.
Over the past three years, LEAF Marque has expanded rapidly, from 922 certified businesses in 2022 – of which 64 per cent were based in the UK – to 3,100 certified businesses across 55 countries today, including more than 500 producer groups.
In response to the continued growth of the mark, the rollout of version 17.0 is backed by a six-figure investment in new IT. The enhanced infrastructure aims to improve efficiencies, data collection and reporting, with governance oversight for both farmers and supply chain owners in partnership with Dutch agri-IT specialist Agriplace.
Clare Mike, director for LEAF Marque & International Development at LEAF, said: “Since LEAF Marque launched in 2002, we’ve continued to invest and collaborate across the industry to deliver high standards of environmental assurance. As we expand internationally version 17.0 provides a robust, pragmatic and independent environmental framework that can be applied across diverse geographies and production systems.
“The new standard is clearer, more adaptable and firmly grounded in real-world application that integrates rigour, insight and measurable progress in response to increasing demands for transparency, accountability, and climate action. We’re excited to see the continued adoption of the LEAF Marque standard by leading retailers, including Tesco, Waitrose, Aldi, and Lidl, and expansion into new sectors beyond fresh produce in line with our five-year strategy.”
The LEAF Marque Standard version 17.0 is available for download now and comes into effect on the 5 May 2026. LEAF said it is committed to supporting growers throughout the transition with a suite of webinar sessions where the LEAF team will be available to answer questions, support farmers’ progress through LEAF Marque, and listen to feedback.
