Waitrose’s vineyards and orchards have achieved Regenified’s regenerative agriculture certification.
- The certification was granted to Waitrose’s Leckford Estate in Hampshire for sustainable practices.
- This achievement represents a significant milestone in Waitrose’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
- The initiative supports the creation of a Centre of Excellence for regenerative agriculture.
- Waitrose’s efforts highlight the potential for broader adoption of sustainable practices across the sector.
Waitrose’s Leckford Estate in Hampshire has received regenerative agriculture certification from Regenified, a global verification body. This certification applies to the estate’s vineyards and orchards, recognising its efforts in environmentally sustainable farming. Such a certification is groundbreaking, marking the first vineyard and orchard in the UK to achieve this recognition.
The certification not only endorses the sustainable practices employed at Leckford Estate but also underscores Waitrose’s dedication to environmental responsibility. The methods used ensure that the produce—grapes, apples, and pears—are grown in harmony with nature. This development is a step forward in Waitrose’s strategic plan to establish a Centre of Excellence that provides tools, workshops, and online resources to assist farmers transitioning to regenerative agriculture.
Andrew Hoad, head of Leckford Estate, expressed pride in receiving Regenified’s certification, emphasising the grocer’s commitment to producing high-quality products while caring for the environment. He believed that this initiative enhances Waitrose’s journey in regenerative farming and hoped it could encourage more farmers to adopt similar practices, which may lead to further certifications.
Previously, Waitrose had engaged in other initiatives to promote agricultural sustainability. Earlier in the year, they partnered with Wildfarmed, a regenerative farming bakery, to launch a Farmhouse loaf using nature-friendly wheat from Leckford Estate. This demonstrates Waitrose’s ongoing commitment to integrating sustainability within its operations.
Jake Pickering, Waitrose’s senior agriculture manager, assured that regenerative farming practices would not adversely affect product pricing for consumers. He affirmed that the supermarket chain aims to deliver exceptional value while maintaining sustainable agriculture, stating, “It’s about delivering regenerative agriculture, and it doesn’t have to cost more money.” Pickering highlighted the supermarket’s continued success in integrating animal welfare without significant cost increases, advocating that similar strategies are viable for wider adoption of sustainable farming.
Waitrose’s regenerative certification sets a benchmark for sustainable farming practices in the UK, encouraging broader industry adoption.
