AsureQuality is now accredited to certify growers to the LEAF Marque Standard

AsureQuality is now a LEAF Marque(external link) approved Certification Body. LEAF Marque is a leading global assurance system that recognises more sustainably farmed products. LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) is based on the principles of integrated farm management (IFM), a whole farm business approach where modern technology and traditional methods are used with the goal of delivering prosperous farming that enriches the environment and engages local communities. The LEAF Marque system currently operates in 19 countries with the ambition of working to build resilient businesses, develop climate resilience, improve nature and biodiversity, drive supply chain innovation, and engage consumers in positive change.

Several UK supermarkets including Tesco, ASDA and Marks and Spencer are all introducing requirements for their suppliers to hold LEAF Marque certification. AsureQuality is the only certification body in New Zealand currently authorised to certify producers to the LEAF Marque Standard, and Dan Schmidt, Product Manager – Audit Servies says that it is an important addition to AsureQuality’s offering for the horticultural sector.

“Producers are increasingly being required to demonstrate that their products have been produced in a sustainable way, so it’s essential that we offer a full range of auditing and certification services to support our horticultural partners in accessing their chosen export markets.”

The new certification sits alongside other services offered by AsureQuality for the horticultural sector, including auditing for GLOBAL G.A.P., organic certification, plant export verification services, food safety audits for programmes such as SQF, and laboratory services, including residue, environmental and pathogen testing. 

Read more: Horticulture Services for Growers & Exporters | AsureQuality(external link)