The Ideal Framework for Food & Biodiversity: a guide for standards and sourcing rules

Marion Hammerl, Lake Constance Foundation
Marion.hammerl@bodensee-stiftung.org

Katrin Parvanova, EY denkstatt
Katrin.Parvanova@bg.ey.com

Food standards are one of the key tools used by food companies to ensure a certain level of quality and sustainability in agricultural production. In addition, many companies have their own procurement requirements. Integrating robust biodiversity criteria into these standards and sourcing rules is an effective way to strengthen biodiversity protection and enhancement within the food sector.

The Ideal Framework for Food & Biodiversity is not a new certification standard. Instead, it serves as a practical guide for standard organizations and food companies with their own sourcing policies, helping them to effectively and comprehensively integrate biodiversity considerations. Farmers' cooperatives and associations within the food sector can also use the framework as a reference to promote more biodiversity-friendly agricultural practices. Furthermore, policymakers are encouraged to incorporate its recommendations into funding programs and agricultural subsidy requirements.

Developed within CircHive, the Ideal Framework has been created in collaboration with scientists, NGOs, and representatives from standard organizations. Its implementation helps protect existing biodiversity on agricultural land, creates opportunities for new habitats and species, and minimizes negative impacts of agricultural practices on biodiversity—aligning with the principles of best agricultural practice. By adopting this framework, stakeholders can make a meaningful contribution to halting the dramatic loss of biodiversity and preserving essential ecosystem services.