November 13, 2024 Washington, DC – Building off the momentum from last month’s International Fresh Produce Association BB #:378962 Global Produce & Floral Show where it was announced IFPA had been granted observer status to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the organization is pleased to share it will join U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and other agricultural leaders for a discussion on climate-smart agriculture during the COP29 Conference, November 11-22, in Baku, Azerbaijan.
IFPA will be represented by Vice President of Sustainability Tamara Muruetagoiena.
“As we heard at the Global Show, the global produce and floral community faces very significant threats from climate change and extreme weather events,” Muruetagoiena noted. “It was only a year ago where agriculture was incorporated into the UN’s climate plans, and with our newly received observer status, IFPA can engage in climate negotiations on behalf of our members.”
During the November 19 panel, Muruetagoiena will share insights into IFPA’s and its members’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, and build resilience to climate change in produce and floral.
One example of this work is the Fresh Field Catalyst technology accelerator program that connects emergent climate-smart solutions to the global fruit, vegetable, and flower community. The next round of climate-smart solution field days is slated for early December in California.
Another example of IFPA’s sustainability leadership is the recent USDA grant funding the IFPA Foundation for Fresh Produce received to accelerate the development of new packaging and labeling options.?
In addition to the upcoming COP29 panel, IFPA recently engaged in New York City’s Climate week as well as represented the industry during the 2024 Fast Company Innovation Festival with Muruetagoiena speaking on a range of issues including food waste, sustainability benchmarks, and the importance of marketing sustainability to consumers so they can make informed choices that align with their values.
“It’s important for IFPA and our industry to have a presence at these critical gatherings around sustainability,” said Muruetagoiena. “Decisions are being made in the form regulations, policies, and industry standards and these will have real impact on how our industry does business across the world. It is critical that we are taking part in those discussions and ensuring our industry’s unique strengths and challenges are considered.”
From NYC Climate Week to COP29, many of these gatherings are attracting experts and influencers from almost every global industry, national and global government, and more.
“For NYC Climate Week, interestingly the conversations were focused on two topics: regenerative agriculture and food waste. Regenerative agriculture was very popular, especially as it relates to being a climate solution,” Muruetagoiena reflected.
Through its Sustainability Council, IFPA recently defined regenerative agriculture as: “a holistic farming approach that aims to restore and enhance the natural resilience of agroecosystems while supporting the long-term health and viability of agricultural businesses and communities. The foundation of this farming system is the integrated management of soil health, biodiversity, water resources, human health, and climate.”
About the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is the largest and most diverse international association serving the entire fresh produce and floral supply chain and the only to seamlessly integrate world-facing advocacy and industry-facing support. We exist to bring the industry together to create a vibrant future for all. We grow our member’s prosperity by conducting advocacy; connecting people and ideas; and offering guidance that allows us all to take action with purpose and confidence.
Contact: Ashley Sempowski, ASempowski@freshproduce.com +1 (202) 303-3406
