Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) BB #:385632, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, has been at the forefront of social responsibility in the produce industry for over a decade.
Through a recent industry needs assessment, EFI found that produce growers and shippers are being asked to gather and communicate data about their sustainability efforts to retail customers, often without having the foundational knowledge and tools to coordinate, measure, and communicate these efforts effectively.
In response, EFI created a multi-day, customized course aimed at equipping produce professionals with the knowledge to coordinate and report on sustainability efforts at their operations.
The Sustainability 101 course builds on the success of EFI’s pilot of the Produce and Reduce Program, where fresh produce operations worked with EFI and Measure to Improve to develop waste reduction plans to mitigate their emissions.
Following this model, the course will help participants build their capacity and develop actionable roadmaps to identify, track, report, and strengthen their environmental sustainability efforts.
Alexandra Roberts, Director of Culture and Compliance at Rice Fruit Company BB #:103627, who completed Sustainability 101 in Spring of 2024, said, “The class pointed out what our strengths are and where we need to improve, we’re doing a lot of sustainable things but not keeping track of them.”
Roberts continued, “The course gave us insight into what we are already doing in terms of sustainability and also gave us a comparison because we were able to see what other companies are doing as well.”
The Sustainability 101 course focuses on critical aspects of sustainability tailored specifically for the produce industry, including:
- Understanding Sustainability Metrics: Learn how to measure and communicate your existing sustainability efforts effectively.
- Basics & Trends: Gain a foundational understanding of environmental sustainability in the fresh produce industry, plus an overview of fresh produce sustainability trends and dynamics.
- Roadmap & Assessment: Assess your company’s sustainability needs and priorities, and create a roadmap for your company’s next steps, including the creation of a sustainability task force.
- Industry Reporting: Navigate the complexities of common industry platforms such as THESIS and Project Gigaton.
The course spans four days, featuring pre-course consultations, interactive sessions, group discussions and final presentations that encourage participants to apply what they’ve learned. The course is designed to be highly interactive, ensuring participants can exchange ideas, ask questions, and receive personalized feedback from course facilitators.
The course is ideal for fresh produce companies looking to strengthen their sustainability management systems and effectively communicate their efforts, including compliance and sustainability teams, sales and marketing staff, business development and beyond.
Don’t miss this opportunity to expand your understanding of sustainability, network and learn from peers across the industry, and hone your communication skills.
Fall course dates: October 1, 2, 10, and 11, 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm PDT / 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST.
Registration for the Fall cohort closes on September 13, to ensure time for pre-work. Visit equitablefood.org/fall-2024-sustainability-101 to reserve your spot.
