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Asurequality Carries Out the First Leaf audit

Asurequality Carries Out the First Leaf (Linking Environment and Farming) Audit in New Zealand

AsureQuality has just completed the first LEAF Marque audit in New Zealand for commercial apple and pear grower Kevin Murphy, based in Marlborough.

Kevin is the first New Zealand grower to gain certification to the LEAF Marque Standard. As a keen environmentalist this is particularly relevant as it acknowledges his commitment to sustainable farming and the environment. Kevin’s farm produces apples, grapes, and pears which are all covered under the programme. ENZA export his apple crop and initially suggested that Kevin gain LEAF Marque certification to assist with marketing of the crop in the UK.

LEAF was set up in 1991 out of a concern for the future of farming. The programme looks at developing and promoting an Integrated Farm Management system that is both realistic and achievable for the majority of farmers and which can be applied to the whole farm. It forms the basis for efficient and profitable production - an important aspect of sustainable farming - where risks to the environment are kept to a minimum but environmental benefits maximised. Farmers are given the tools to create a strategy for farming to conserve and enhance the environment. More information about the programme can be found at w.

In November 2009 AsureQuality signed a License Agreement with LEAF Marque Ltd enabling it to inspect and certify farms to the LEAF Marque Standard. This allows AsureQuality to certify against the Standard in Australia and New Zealand.

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Paul Alexander, Business Manager - Field Services, says AsureQuality carries out multiple audits across a number of different sectors ranging from Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) audits, through phytosanitary market access to retailer specific audits. “As a company we are committed to supporting our customers gain access into their chosen markets. LEAF Marque certification was an important addition to our portfolio of certification services and complements the other services we provide to our customers. We are proud to have been involved in the auditing process for the first New Zealand grower to gain LEAF Marque certification and expect to see other growers and farmers join the scheme in the near future.”

AsureQuality is a commercial company providing food safety and biosecurity services to the food and primary production sectors. It carries out food quality and safety testing for producers, processors and Competent Authorities around the world. In addition to LEAF Marque certification, AsureQuality also carries out GlobalGAP, NZGAP and Tesco Nurture audits.

ENDS

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