Marks and Spencer launched the new version of its Field to Fork assurance scheme this week, widening its scope beyond the boundaries first set when it was unveiled five years ago. It comes into force on June 1.
However the long term concept, specifically designed to cover fruit and vegetables, remains the same. It focuses on reducing the level of pesticides used by its suppliers, encouraging them to support production which benefits the environment, and generally enhancing the brand through rigorous food safety.
"The new version is more appropriate as it takes into account changes in customer expectation, new scientific understanding, feedback from growers, and the introduction of our own Field to Fork database to manage auditing," explained Hugh Mowat, senior technologist.
It also covers labour standards and sourcing raw materials from the most sustainable sources available. It contains the M&S Farm Environment standard which has been written in partnership with LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming).
The new FTF standard will for the first time be extended to cover fruit, salads and vegetables used as ingredients in M&S food, and the 60 pesticides which were banned in 2003 have had a further 10 added.
Mowat explained that these were already on M&S's Amber list, so producers had plenty of warning.
"In practical terms the work which led to much of the upgrade has been achieved as a result of close consultation with producers stretching back over many years. Our decision was supported because of the practical approach we took with growers, giving them time to come up with alternatives."
Mowat is clear that Field to Fork takes the demands of food safety in all its forms, a stage further recognising the fast changing trends and demands of customers. He likens it to an insurance scheme for all parties which covers exactly what the name implies. "Other schemes ensure legality, and we obviously support these," he said. "But we want to go further." M&S will hold a fresh produce suppliers' conference this year to explain the detail.
Fruit and vegetable suppliers worldwide, which run into the thousands, have also been offered a helpline in what Mowat calls a ‘pump priming exercise’.
It takes the form of a Pesticide Residue Experts Network comprising experts, academia and practical growers, which will create the basis for a detailed exchange of information.
"By helping our producers and ourselves we are better informed, which will allow us all to maintain our long term partnerships for the benefit of customers.".
Eventually, Mowat believes that the FTF concept will be rolled out across the entire M&S food chain.
No comments yet