The retailer has committed that by 2010 all conventional fresh, prepared and frozen fruit, vegetables and flowers on sale in its supermarkets will be farmed to high environmental standards using sustainable farming methods.

This will be achieved by introducing the LEAF Marque Scheme - which demands environmentally responsible standards of farming on all conventional produce in its supermarkets.

Waitrose has been using the LEAF Marque on all UK produce for the last two years and is now working with LEAF in helping growers across the globe to deliver and demonstrate their environmental credentials.  In order to achieve LEAF Marque status, farms have to demonstrate high standards of environmental stewardship. These include minimising use of pesticides, encouraging natural predators, retaining 'green corridors' to protect wildlife, conserving water and energy, as well as maintaining soil vitality through crop rotation and prevention of soil erosion. They must also demonstrate continuous improvements year on year.

While Waitrose will always aim to source within the UK, when in season, the retailer is committed to taking a holistic approach in working to reduce its environmental impact.

Mary Vizoso, Head of Fruit and Vegetable Buying at Waitrose, said: 'This scheme will make an enormous difference to the long term future of farming communities, particularly in the developing world. In Britain many of these methods are becoming more widespread but for farmers in developing countries, they are often groundbreaking.'

Benefits of the LEAF scheme can range from reduced pesticide use, saving energy and water, supporting the preservation of threatened species and helping communities manage the land in a sustainable way so it can be farmed successfully by future generations.

Case Study: Ghana

Ahuntem Farm in Ghana is one of the farms working towards LEAF Marque status and it grows pineapples for Waitrose. Farmers have been educated about the benefits of allowing uncultivated strips within borders to grow wild. Initially, the reaction among farmers was sceptical but attitudes changed when they realised that providing habitats for predator insects could reduce the requirement for expensive pesticides. Instead of using single crop cycles, the farm is looking at how different crops can be rotated to prevent soil erosion and maintain nutrient levels in the soil.

Case Study: Kenya

The Tambuzi Farm in Kenya, a pilot LEAF farm grows roses and lilies for Waitrose. It has preserved uncultivated areas around their field margins and introduced a tree conservation project on the farm. In addition, they have developed a programme to compost all green waste.

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