How is this achieved?
The starting point is to understand the impacts of the farming system in all the areas we operate, by scientific measurement using a framework of 10 sustainability indicators, shown on the right.
Having identified and measured the impacts we can then seek to improve any negatives and enhance the positives. This sounds simple but in practice it means finding the right balance, as improving one indicator positively can have a negative impact on another. For example increasing organic matter in soil creates a more healthy soil and better soil structure, which benefits plants and animals living in the soil, but makes it more likely to leach out higher levels of nutrients which may ultimately cause pollution of ponds, rivers and lakes.
To measure these impacts and develop improvements we work in partnership with some of the leading experts in sustainable agriculture - see our partnerships page.
Sustanable Agriculture Standards
We have developed a set of Sustainable Agriculture Standards which all our growers must follow. There is a standard for each of the indicator areas listed on the right. These standards are reviewed regularly and strengthened to ensure continual improvement. As our research programme progresses, more sustainable methods are incorporated into the standards.
The Birds Eye vining pea operation is accredited to ISO 14001, the international standard for environmental management.
