LEAF has appointed Jonathan Ralling as director of LEAF Marque, bringing more than two decades of experience across agriculture, horticulture, fresh produce and international supply chains to the continued development of its leading environmental assurance system.

He joins as farmers face growing expectations to demonstrate environmental improvements alongside productive, commercially viable farming, and as LEAF Marque prepares to mark its 25th anniversary in 2027 and build on significant growth in the UK and internationally.

Jonathan has spent his career to date developing supply chains across the agriculture and horticulture sectors, working with stakeholders internationally to deliver domestic and international supply chains across UK, Europe, and Africa.

His experience includes director level roles with Flamingo, Place UK, and Marginpar, working in and with growers and producer groups to deliver sustainable supply chain excellence across agriculture, horticulture and fresh produce.

Most recently, Jonathan worked independently, providing strategic and commercial advice to organisations across the horticulture and agri-tech sectors in the UK and internationally.

His appointment comes at an important time for LEAF Marque, which has experienced significant growth in recent years. LEAF Marque is now used by more than 3,600 certified farming businesses across around 10,000 farms in 62 countries, with more than 541,000 hectares of LEAF Marque certified land in the UK.

LEAF Marque is the UK’s leading environmental assurance standard and is independently certified to ISO 17065. Its reach across the global fresh produce supply chain continues to grow, with all major UK retailers now using LEAF Marque as part of their own sustainability commitments, including Tesco through its Global Commitment as well Waitrose, M&S, Sainsburys, Coop, Lidl, Aldi and Asda.

David Webster, CEO of LEAF, said: “We are delighted that Jonathan has joined us at an important point in the development of LEAF Marque. Over the past five years, LEAF Marque has more than tripled in size, demonstrating the growing demand for credible environmental assurance across global farming and food supply chains.

“Jonathan brings valuable international leadership expertise, together with a deep understanding of farming and fresh produce supply chains.

“He will help us build on that progress, ensuring LEAF Marque continues to offer pragmatic and credible responses to the complex environmental challenges facing global agriculture.”

Commenting on his appointment, Jonathan Ralling said: “I am excited to be joining LEAF at such an important time for LEAF Marque and to have the opportunity to work within a purpose-driven organisation with an exceptional team of people.

“Having worked across farming, horticulture and fresh produce supply chains in the UK and internationally, I have seen first-hand the challenges facing farmers, the opportunities that exist, and the need for environmentally progressive practice as we help to build food systems fit for the future.

“My priority will be to ensure that LEAF Marque continues to set a credible direction for more sustainable farming whilst remaining practical for farmers and meaningful to the businesses and consumers they supply.”

Jonathan took up his new role in August and will lead the continued development of LEAF Marque, working across the supply chain to strengthen its impact, credibility and reach in the UK and internationally.