Marks & Spencer's Field to Fork code of practice launched last autumn has proved to be an outstanding success, according to Andrew Sharp, technical manager for produce.
The code took 18 months to write with suppliers and leading companies such as G's Marketing, and Muñoz Mehadrin have endorsed its value.
The first of its kind, it goes deeper than either traceability systems set up by other multiples to cover handling and packing, or the national and international benchmarks, the assured produce scheme or EurepGAP.
While M&S continues to support these, Sharp added the new code addressed areas such as setting and monitoring micro-biological standards, and ensuring that fruit and vegetables are not grown on land which has previously been used for GM crops, in Spain for example.
It also provides assistance in phasing out 19 more pesticides adding to the 60 which have already been discontinued for use by growers.
Sharp added that one of the reasons for its development is that he expects the industry to continue to come under new pressure over the environment and food safety.
Meanwhile, seven of the UK's largest summer agricultural shows are again the bedrock of the store's drive to identify with both producers and customers.
"We are investing around £1 million," revealed Paul Willgoss, head of agriculture this week. "We expect to meet an estimated 3,000 farmers and growers, and 250,000 consumers," said Willgoss. Those shows chosen are Balmoral, Bath & West, Highland, Norfolk, the Royal, Kent and Wales.
Growers have been invited to meet the public at the events and to talk about the industry. This follows a similar exercise at 25 of the largest branches last year, which will also be continued.
The moves underline the value M&S places on producer relationships further strengthened by its Farm Badge Scheme which covers 100 producers, identifying them at pos.
No comments yet