Over the past two years, more than 240 farms across 23 countries have been part of a collaborative effort to help reshape how we understand, measure and value sustainability on farms.
We’re delighted to now share the results. The Global Farm Metric (GFM) has released a new report capturing insights from farms of all types and sizes, spanning six continents. Together, these farms have helped refine a framework that offers something the food and farming sector has long been searching for – a shared language for sustainability that moves beyond carbon tunnel vision and encompasses the wide range of outcomes that farming delivers. Read more about the GFM mission here.
The GFM framework enables farmers to capture a complete picture of their farm’s health – environmental, social and economic – in one place. Whether it’s a family farm in Kentucky, a mixed farm in the UK or a regenerative producer in South Africa, farmers used the GFM to understand what’s working, where there’s room for improvement, and how to tell that story to others – be it buyers, policymakers or their own communities.
Many found that the process not only provided clarity, but renewed confidence in their farming decisions.
“Participating in this programme improved my confidence as a solo operator, because I got data and validation. It’s motivated me to do things I’d been wanting to do but wasn’t sure whether it would be worthwhile.” – Farmer, Kentucky
“The detailed nature of the assessment revealed areas of my farming practices that I hadn’t previously considered, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach to sustainability.” – Farmer, South Africa
Of course, gathering this kind of whole-farm data isn’t always easy – particularly when time and resources are stretched. But the trials showed that with the right support, from advisors or digital tools, it is possible, and more importantly, it’s worthwhile.
Why now?
This comes at a pivotal time. Farmers everywhere are facing huge challenges, from climate change and biodiversity loss to volatile markets and new trade pressures. At the same time, the demand for transparency and trust in how food is produced has never been greater.
The Global Farm Metric offers a way forward – a common framework that’s flexible enough to work anywhere, but consistent enough to drive meaningful change. Already, the data from these trials is being used to shape new policies, inform procurement decisions and support more outcome-focused approaches to rewarding sustainable farming.
“What we grow and how we grow it has never mattered more,” says Fabia Bromovsky, Director of the Global Farm Metric. “These trials show that it’s possible to gather meaningful data at farm level, and that this data can become a powerful tool for farmers and decision-makers alike. The GFM offers a shared set of goals that can guide action from farm gates to government desks.”
What’s next?
The release of this report marks the launch of GFM 2.0, a refined version of the framework shaped by the experiences of farmers, retailers, policymakers and assessment providers around the world.
The report also lays out a clear call to action for everyone involved in the food system:
- For farmers: Use the GFM to take a holistic look at your farm, identify opportunities and connect with markets and support networks.
- For policymakers and finance providers: Design policies and funding that reward outcomes and support the transition to truly sustainable farming.
- For retailers and supply chains: Align sustainability reporting, reduce duplication and invest in long-term resilience.
- For assessment providers: Collaborate to harmonise tools and reduce the burden on farmers while capturing data that truly matters.
- For everyone: Embrace a whole-farm, outcomes-based approach as the foundation for a more sustainable future.
