Award levels

Bronze is the basic award if you are observing agroecological growing practices. Silver should be achieveable by growers who are retailing through the independent and co-operative sectors. Gold is "aspirational" and like a low-carbon lifestyle may not necessarily be achieveable in an economy dependent on oil. Gold indicates where CFF believes food production needs to be.

 

Please visit our FAQs section to understand the policy reasoning behind the Awards

Evidence of agroecological growing practices

  • The IFOAM Norms see forms OR
  • a third party organic certificate and trading schedule.

As tackling climate change is so urgent, there is no conversion period for CFF certified produce. However, please recognise that this may be detrimental to building soil fertility & crop quality.

Bronze 

  • Observe agroecological production practices

  • Undergo a farmer-to-farmer inspection

  • Inspect a fellow CFF award holder up to an hour away (and bear the cost of travel)

  • Open gate policy (visitors by prior arrangement)

Silver

in addition to bronze criteria.....

  • Policies and techniques are explained in forms and guidance

  • Adopt a carbon sequestration policy

  • Adopt nitrous oxide reduction techniques stage 1

  • No deep ploughing beyond 20cm / 8”

  • Covering and aerating muck and “green” compost heaps

  • Use of second hand machinery (where practicable)

  • No purchases of extracted peat growing media (an exception is made for West Riding Organic blocking compost as they are researching ways to eliminate peat from blocking)

  • Electricity: at least 30% renewable tariff

  • Refrigeration impact reduction policy

  • Use recycled paper in the office

  • Independent and / or cooperative retail outlets

Gold

in addition to bronze and silver criteria.....

  • Adopt closed fertility techniques

  • No cultivation of peat soils (e.g. fen and moss)

  • Adopt nitrous oxide reduction techniques stage 2

  • Agroforestry practices (if space will allow)

  • Field operations with tractors and machinery – electric, ethical biofuel or grass-fed equine

  • Electricity: 100% renewable tariff

  • Generate renewable energy (if practicable)

  • Packaging: at least 70% to be from reusable, recycled or bioplastic sources

  • Delivery: foot, bicycle, electric vehicle, ethical biofuel, public transport or grass-fed equine

  • No refrigeration before the farm gate