Six Weeks Remain For Public Comment On National Sustainable Agriculture Standard

Madison, WI – Leonardo Academy, a charitable organization that facilitates the development of national voluntary standards, announced that 6 weeks remain in the public comment for National Sustainable Agriculture Standard (LEO-4000). Both the public comment period and balloting period will close on March 6, 2014. 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.

Michael Arny, President of Leonardo Academy, said, "We invite all interested parties to review the draft National Sustainable Agriculture Standard (LEO-4000) and submit comments before the end of the public comment period.  Affected parties we would like to hear from include: producers, manufacturers and processors, distributors and retailers. Please download and review the standard to see how it will work for you. and submit your comments."

The LEO-4000 Standard is intended to help users navigate the increasingly confusing range 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 food manufacturers, retailers, and consumers purchase sustainable agricultural products and assess the authenticity of sustainable agricultural product claims.

The draft standard can be downloaded at:  http://www.leonardoacademy.org/services/standards/agstandard.html

To submit public comments, please request a public comment form from agstandard@leonardoacademy.org

For more information visit: 

http://leonardoacademy.org/services/standards/agstandard.html

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. 

Source: Leonardo Academy