Encouraging biodiversity in conventional fruit and vegetable farming: Lidl and GLOBALG.A.P. publish first industry-wide biodiversity add-on.
Fruit Logistica 2022 at the beginning of April marked the launch of the new BioDiversity add-on, developed on the initiative of retailer Lidl.
Through the all-new BioDiversity add-on, GLOBALG.A.P. recognizes that protecting biodiversity has become one of the leading challenges facing the agricultural sector and food supply chains. In line with the EU European Green Deal, the farm-level biodiversity management tool was developed by a multi-stakeholder project team including the retailer Lidl, Sustainable Food Systems GmbH, Global Nature Fund, Bioland, Nürtingen-Geislingen University, and representatives of producers across Europe. The add-on lays out a set of science-based criteria, which help fruit and vegetable producers of all sizes demonstrate their biodiversity practices. Version 1 will initially be available to producers in the European Economic Area from April 2022, with the audits being conducted at the same time as Integrated Farm Assurance audits in order to leverage synergies between the two standards.
Stefan Haensel, Vice President CSR Purchasing International of Lidl Germany, stated, “ Biodiversity loss poses an existential threat to our ecosystems. As part of our CSR strategy, we address our risks and drive change. Lidl, together with GLOBALG.A.P. and all other partners, are now proud to provide the first biodiversity focused cultivation standard for the conventional cultivation of fruit and vegetables in Europe. As a next step of our roll out more than 250 growers across Europe will be audited.”
Find out more about the BioDiversity add-on here.