The standards are based on what LEAF regards as a common-sense approach, combining modern technology with basic principles of good farming practice. It covers areas such as soil management, crop nutrition, pesticide use, pollution control, waste management, water and energy efficiency and the protection of wildlife and landscape. It doesn’t guarantee that food will be organic, non-GM, UK-produced or that animals will have not been intensively reared.
The Ecologist says
The Leaf Marque cannot be reliably used as an assessment of superior ethical or environmental criteria of any food.
This article first appeared in the Ecologist May 2007
To find out the truth behind other Eco Labels click here