National Sustainable Agriculture Standard (LEO-4000) Moves Closer to Completion as Second Public Comment Period is Launched
Madison, WI, May 7, 2015 /3BL Media/ – Leonardo Academy announced the launch of the second public comment and balloting period for the National Sustainable Agriculture Standard (LEO-4000). The ground-breaking standard, developed through the American National Standards Institute’s (ANSI) open, multi- stakeholder process, provides voluntary guidance and opportunities for recognition for producers interested in or engaged in sustainable crop production. Both the public comment period and the Standard Committee ballot period will close on May 18, 2015.
The standard has undergone significant streamlining based on comments received during the first public comment period, held in 2014, to make it more practical to use. In addition, public comments were instrumental in identifying several improvement opportunities. Finally, the committee identified specific ways to further streamline the standard to address the needs of small farms. The current version won overwhelming support from the committee, which recommended rerelease for a second round of comments.
Michael Arny, President of Leonardo Academy, said, “This four-tiered standard recognizes producers at all levels on the path toward sustainability. Thanks to the hard work of Standard Committee members, the subcommittee members, and the other process participants, the second edition of the draft standard has been completed and has been released for a second round of public comments. The committee felt that a second round of comments was needed because significant upgrades were made to the draft standard. Now is the time for all interested parties – including producers, processors, manufacturers, retailers, and consumers of agricultural products – to weigh in. ”
LEO-4000 is designed to help users navigate the expanding array of proprietary sustainability labels, specifications, information requests, and guides for agricultural products. It is a comprehensive sustainability standard that provides a stable and reliable platform for producers to use in documenting and communicating their sustainability achievements while demonstrating compliance with other sustainability requirements and remaining flexible to meet the diverse needs of agriculture. The standard will also help growers, retailers, and consumers purchase sustainable agricultural products and assess the authenticity of sustainable agricultural product claims.
If you would like to review the current draft standard and provide comments, please request a copy of the standard and a copy of the public comment form by emailing: agstandard@leonardoacademy.org. All comments must be provided in the Leonardo Academy public comment form. If you would like to learn more about pilot testing the draft standard, please contact: Michael Arny at michaelarny@leonardoacademy.org.
About Leonardo Academy
Mission Statement
Leonardo Academy is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing sustainability by leveraging innovative tools and information to motivate the competitive market. By utilizing an interdisciplinary approach to sustainability strategies, education, and implementation, we strive to make sustainability practical for everyone.
We develop integrative sustainability solutions designed to enhance the environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic prosperity of organizations, corporations, and individuals. We see a world filled with sustainable opportunities that can transform the way we live today and ensure the prosperity of future generations.
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Individuals, organizations, and companies are invited to join in Leonardo Academy’s work on advancing sustainability. One important way to join in our work is by making a charitable donation to support these efforts. Online donations can be made at: www.leonardoacademy.org.
For More Information about Leonardo Academy
Web: www.leonardoacademy.org
Phone: 608-280-0255
Email: michaelarny@leonardoacademy.org
