New Marketplace Subcommittee Addresses Implementation of the Draft LEO-4000 National Sustainable Agriculture Standard
(3BL Media) Madison, WI - September 25, 2012 – Leonardo Academy announced the formation of the new Marketplace Subcommittee that will address implementation and use of the Draft National Sustainable Agriculture Standard (LEO-4000). Leonardo Academy invited interested parties to sign up to participate in this subcommittee. The National Sustainable Agriculture Standard is being developed to reduce market confusion about sustainability in agriculture by providing a uniform national standard that applies to a wide range of agricultural products.
The development of the National Sustainable Agriculture Standard is on track to be completed in the next 12 months. This progress is the result of the dedicated work of the many knowledgeable individuals who serve on the Standard Committee and subcommittees in the open, ANSI-accreditation process.
Leonardo Academy invites all stakeholders to participate in the new Marketplace Subcommittee and in the overall development of the Draft National Sustainable Agriculture Standard. There are many ways to participate in this development process. Opportunities for participation include: participation on the subcommittees, applying to be on the Standard Committee, signing up to pilot test the standard and making a donation to support the development process. You can learn more about this standard at the web site: http://www.sustainableagstandard.org
This standard is creating a national framework for advancing sustainability in agricultural. For producers, it will provide confirmation of sustainability practices already in place, guidance on how to further advance the sustainability of their operations, and metrics and verification for communicating sustainability achievements to customers. For manufacturers, distributors and retailers, it will provide a template to guide sustainability specifications for the agricultural products they purchase and distribute. For consumers, it will help to clarify the meaning of the term “sustainability” in agriculture and enable them to make informed choices about the products they buy. By engaging producers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers and consumers, the standard will support improvement throughout this supply chain, driving success and economic, social and environmental sustainability in agriculture.
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Opportunities to Participate in Developing the Sustainable Agriculture Standard
There are currently openings for the subcommittees and the voting Standard Committee. Leonardo Academy includes a broad range of interests in the standard development process. Participant categories include: producers, users (like manufacturers and retailers), environmentalists, representatives of colleges, universities, representatives of government agencies and general interest. To receive an application for membership on a subcommittee, on the Standard Committee, or for observer status, contact Jennifer Trucks at Leonardo Academy: jennifer@leonardoacademy.org, (608) 280-0255, or visit http://www.sustainableagstandard.org/.
The Standard Committee
Standard Committee makes the decisions on the content of the standard.
The Subcommittees
The subcommittees play the key role of developing and revising drafts of portions of the Standard for consideration by the Standard Committee.
Drafts of Standard Documents
The current working drafts of Standards documents are available on the Leonardo Academy web sites: www.leonardoacademy.org and www.sustainableagstandard.org. .
Public Comment Process
When the Standard Committee completes its review and revision process and approves the release of the draft standard for public comment, the public comment period will be announced in the American National Standards Institute publication, Standards Action. After the public comment period is completed, the Standard Committee will review all comments and decide how to address each of the comments received. Once the Standard Committee has addressed all of the public comments, the draft standard will be submitted to ANSI for promulgation as an American National Standard. http://www.sustainableagstandard.org/
Donations
The development of the Sustainable Agriculture Standard is funded through donations and grants. Please consider making a donation to support Leonardo Academy’s work on developing this standard. Your support will help advance the sustainability through the development of this standard which will provide a framework for improving the social, economic and environmental sustainability in U.S. agriculture.
To make a tax deductible donation to support the development process, go to http://www.leonardoacademy.org/programs/standards/agstandard/donate.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.
Programs and Services
Leonardo Academy works on a broad range of sustainability issues and provides comprehensive sustainability programs and services to help companies, organizations, families and individuals implement sustainability. Our programs and services include: organizational sustainability assessments and implementation; emissions footprints, reduction strategies and offsets; event emissions footprints, sustainability assessments and implementation; sustainable event certification through our Cleaner and Greener® Program; LEED® assessments, implementation and certification application preparation; sustainable land management; sustainability training; and sustainability standards development.
Join Our Work
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.
