Together with partners, Lidl is developing the first biodiversity-focused farming standard for conventional fruit and vegetable production. This will be available to all producers in conjunction with the established GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance Standard (IFA), by the end of 2021.
Lidl is thus actively driving forward the protection of biodiversity as part of its sustainability strategy. The loss of biodiversity poses an existential threat to ecosystems. As a supplier of food, near-food and non-food products, Lidl is aware of its responsibility to preserve ecosystems.
“Biodiversity and healthy ecosystems form the essential basis for a rich assortment and especially for the production of fruits and vegetables. If we protect them, we not only create the basis for a high-quality range, but also ensure high-yield harvests at the same time,” says Ioannis Karanatsios, Member of the Board, Purchasing Department, Lidl Cyprus.
Therefore Lidl is working with internationally recognized experts on sustainable food systems and agricultural experts to develop an add-on module to promote biodiversity in conventional agriculture. Focus is here on Europe. Our Partners include Sustainable Food Systems GmbH (SFS) in the role of project leader, as well as the Global Nature Fund, Bioland, the Lake Constance Foundation, representatives of agricultural producers and Nürtingen-Geislingen University. The multi-stakeholder approach considers different perspectives and thus promises high acceptance. The new add-on, operated by GLOBALG.A.P., is being developed explicitly for all market participants, from producers to distributors.
“Lidl’s initiative to mainstream biodiversity in fruit and vegetable production fits very well with the GLOBALG.A.P. vision to promote safe and responsible food production worldwide,” says Kristian Moeller, Managing Director of GLOBALG.A.P..
The GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance Standard (IFA), covers good agricultural practices for all forms of agricultural production. With the Biodiversity add-on, fruit and vegetable producers will have their own agricultural practices for biodiversity conservation audited as part of the annual IFA audit. With the result of the independent control by qualified auditors, producers can thus make their commitment visible to all food retailers. In order to make this far-reaching standard a reality together with the farmers, appropriate supporting measures such as training are offered if necessary.
The environmental foundation Global Nature Fund (GNF) contributes its long experience of working with standards and companies in the food sector to improve biodiversity protection.
The new add-on joins existing measures for biodiversity conservation. These include the range of organic foods and Lidl’s own Bio Organic brand.
Further information on Lidl’s commitment to biodiversity can be found on our website here.
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