The Co-op has bolstered its sustainability credentials by becoming a corporate member of Linking Environment And Farming (LEAF).
The move will see the retailer work more closely with LEAF to deliver its sustainable food and farming goals, which involve wider collaboration with farmers, the food industry, scientists and consumers to promote practices that enhance the environment.
The announcement follows LEAF Open Farm Sunday on 11 June, of which the Co-op is a principal sponsor.
Ciara Gorst, Co-op’s head of agriculture, said: “We’re delighted to build on our partnership with LEAF in pursuit of our shared vision to promote sustainable farming, eating and living. Co-op takes its responsibilities as an ethical retailer very seriously and we are looking forward to establishing a close and collaborative relationship with the organisation which does so much to encourage responsible food production and consumption.”
LEAF chief executive Caroline Drummond added: “Our corporate members play a pivotal role in helping us drive forward LEAF’s vision of a world that is farming, eating and living sustainably. We’re delighted to welcome a retailer of the Co-op’s calibre as a corporate member.
'It is well-known for its staunch support of the British agricultural industry and with stores in every postal area it’s perfectly placed to help LEAF engage with local communities, farmers and the food industry as a whole.'
