Can Defra’s new schemes that aim to ‘save the planet’ really help farmers rebound?
UK farmers who have been battered by a range of challenges that include labour shortages and rising costs will be getting at least some relief from the government’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) plan, according to Defra. Defra announced on Thursday it will offer farms up to £1,000 extra in grants provided they can be both […]
Sustainability: Tapping into the wings of goodness through ‘awareness, care and respect.’
Recently, I had to present a guest lecture on sustainability to social entrepreneurs who are attending a college-based adult education program. I am soon turning 65, so I asked myself how relevant my grey-haired experience would be to the lives and business environment of this age group (mostly 25-35), especially on a topic they care […]
Freshfel launching Environmental Footprint methodology for fruits and vegetables
Freshfel Europe is developing what it calls a “a state-of-the-art, standardized methodology” in hopes of improving sustainability across the fresh produce industry. Under its Freshfel Environmental Footprint Initiative, the group and its members plan to launch the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) for fruit and vegetables. The goal is that more transparency, better communication […]
Westfalia Fruit growing avocados on Portugal reserve using ‘minimal’ water
In a one-of-a-kind ‘farming with nature’ initiative, multinational supplier Westfalia Fruit Group has successfully launched and is maintaining a highly sustainable avocado orchard on protected land in the Alcácer do Sal region of Portugal. Within a Site of Community Importance and under regulations from the Portuguese government and European Union law, it is currently growing […]
Freshfel Europe and top produce companies launch Environmental Footprint Initiative
With legislation forthcoming on environmental accountability, a coalition of fresh produce partners along with Freshfel Europe have launched a new strategy to boost sustainability across the EU supply chain. The Environmental Footprint Initiative – being forged by Freshfel andAilimpo, ANPP, Apeel Sciences, Assomela, Bama Gruppen, Bayer AG, BVEO, COLEACP, Dole, Greenyard, Fresh Produce Centre, IG […]
In the Controlled Environment Agriculture World, CleanGreens Argues for Aeroponics
All over the world there has been a focus on indoor agriculture. Billions and billions of Dollars, Euros, Pounds, Yen and other currencies have poured into these projects. With a focus on local, with a hat tip to the idea of super productive and high yield agriculture and a yearning for a roster of social, […]
LEAF sets new targets for sustainability throughout UK supply chain
Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF) has revised its benchmarks for sustainability, saying now that 85% of fresh produce grown by the UK should be environmentally friendly. That would mean doubling of fruits and vegetables that are LEAF Marque-certified by 2026. “LEAF Marque growers are already tackling climate change through reducing carbon emissions, building healthier and […]
Generation Z, Sustainable Purchasing And the Connection with Agriculture
As our natural food systems weaken and no longer seem able to deliver what is expected, we look for ways to change its trajectory. Gradually we begin to understand that one of the major causes of unsustainability in the food systems is not only production but also ‘irresponsible’ consumption. Our food seems cheap, but only […]
