Geest subsidiary Wingland Foods has just started supplying Waitrose with a number of own-label prepared single-leaf salad bags bearing the Linking the Environment And Farming (LEAF) logo now that its UK salad growers have achieved Leaf accreditation.

Richard Isaacs, produce manager at Wingland Foods said: "The concept behind LEAF is one that I have supported for a few years now and I'm delighted to be involved with the launch of the logo into Waitrose stores. Our growers have met the challenge head-on and have supported Waitrose fully in their aim to get the logo onto prepared salad bags this summer."

The LEAF logo appears on iceberg, baby spinach, and watercress packs. The growers involved in supplying the raw material for these packs are Valley Produce, The Watercress Company, Merrymac Salads & Intercrop.

Carrie Thompson, technical manager at Merrymac said, "We are delighted to have supported the Geest/Waitrose partnership by achieving LEAF marque accreditation through third party audit."

Wingland Foods is already preparing to launch the logo on other lines, including mixed-leaf bags. "All of our UK growers are committed to gaining LEAF accreditation in the near future," said Isaacs. "With the in-store information now available on LEAF we hope that Waitrose customers will understand the message...Wingland Foods is strongly in favour of any initiative that encourages environment-friendly and ethical...farming whilst recognising the need for profitable and sustainable businesses in our countryside. LEAF hits just the right balance...and we intend to continue driving this scheme within our supply base."

Jeremy Boxall, commercial manager of LEAF said: "We are delighted that...Waitrose customers can consciously choose to buy this quality food and support a farming system that is good for wildlife, encourages biodiversity and supports the wider rural economy."

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