Waitrose’s orchard and vineyards at the Leckford Estate in Hampshire have become the first in the UK to achieve Regenified certification.
The certification scheme is a global leader in regenerative agriculture verification and the achievement recognises the farm’s commitment to grow produce in a way that is friendlier towards nature.
It also marks a significant step towards having a permanent ‘centre of excellence’ at its Leckford Farm, Waitrose said.
The centre would provide practical tools, workshops, online resources and mentoring to help farmers make the shift to regenerative agriculture.
This comes following an announcement in 2021 that the farm would drive change by experimenting with a variety of nature-friendly farming practices.
“We are incredibly proud to be the first vineyard and orchard in the UK to achieve Regenified’s certification,” said Andrew Hoard, head of the Leckford Estate.
“Our commitment to regenerative farming reflects our belief that producing high-quality products and caring for the environment go hand in hand,” Hoard added. “This builds on our regenerative farming journey and we hope to see more farmers embrace similar practices which could lead to certification.”
To achieve the certification, Leckford met Regenified’s rigorous 6-3-4 Verification Standard which is based on six principles, three rules and four processes.
“We are delighted that the Waitrose Leckford vineyards and orchards have achieved Regenified certification – a UK first for a vineyard and a pan-European first for apple and pear orchards,” said Salar Shemirani, co-founder and CEO of Regenified.
“The widespread adoption of true regenerative agriculture is vital for the future of all of us, and I congratulate Waitrose on their brave adoption of a better way of farming for nature,” he added. “I’m very excited for Regenified to be a part of the ongoing Waitrose regenerative journey.”
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