Waitrose vineyards become first to receive regenerative approval

The leading supermarket have ramped up their commitment to sustainability as it’s orchards and vineyards have been granted regenerative agricultural certification.

The title means the farm, which is situated at the Leckford Estate in Hampshire, has been recognised for its commitment to grow produce – in this instance apples, grapes and pears – in a way that is more friendly towards nature.

Image: Regenified Leckford certificate – vineyard.

What’s more, the achievement is a significant step towards having a permanent Centre of Excellence to provide tools. Workshops and online resources to support farmers transitioning to regenerative agriculture.

Andrew Hoad, Leckford Estate Head, said: ‘We are incredibly proud to be the first vineyard and orchard in the UK to achieve Regenified’s certification.

‘Our commitment to regenerative farming reflects our belief that producing high-quality products and caring for the environment go hand in hand. This builds on our regenerative farming journey and we hope to see more farmers embrace similar practices which could lead to certification.’

This attainment has come after Waitrose announced in 2021 that they will use the farm to drive change by experimenting with a number of nature-friendly farming practices.

To gain certification, Leckford met Regenified’s rigorous 6-3-4™ Verification Standard – based on six principles, three rules, and four processes.

Salar Shemirani, Co-Founder and CEO, Regenified said: ‘We are delighted that the Waitrose Leckford vineyards and orchards have achieved Regenified Certification – a UK first for the vineyard and a pan-European first for apple and pear orchards.

‘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. I’m very excited for Regenified to be a part of the ongoing Waitrose regenerative journey.’

The news comes as part of Farming for Nature, an initiative announced in May this year to support biodiversity and environmental sustainability across Waitrose’s agricultural supply chain, ultimately working with British farmers to move to nature-friendly farming.

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