The role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in improving safety, quality and sustainability standards in agri-food supply chains

Description

The agri-food sector can be seen as one of the drivers of climate change-related problems whilst also being greatly affected by it. Sustainability standards have a role in promoting and supporting the uptake of sustainability practices, promoting agroecological farming and reducing the negative impact on the environment. Given the non-profit independent nature of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), they are in a key position for improving and enhancing the uptake of sustainability practices and standards. This chapter explores the role of NGOs in improving sustainability standards in the agri-food supply chain. The main roles identified are collaboration, lobbying, accountability and credibility, providing subject matter expertise, facilitating knowledge exchange, setting standards, providing incentives and communicating to a range of stakeholders. Case studies from Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) are used to showcase how each role can be implemented. The chapter also identifies and discusses key challenges.

Table of contents

• 1 Introduction
• 2 Outcomes environmental NGOs hope to achieve and how to measure them
• 3 Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF): overview
• 4 The role of NGOs in improving sustainability standards and advocating for sustainable farming systems
• 5 Challenges in improving sustainability standards for NGOs, farmers, supply chains and government
• 6 Conclusion and future trends
• 7 References and further reading