Mission Produce releases 2021 environmental social governance report
Oxnard, Calif.-based Mission Produce, Inc. has announced the publication of its fiscal year 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance Report, "Finest for the Future."
The report provides an update on the company’s ESG progress since fiscal year 2020, according to a news release.
“At Mission, we recognize our responsibility to treat our land, resources and people with respect as we work toward the goal of cultivating a better future for generations to come,” Steve Barnard, CEO and founder of the company, said in the release. “I’m proud to share our progress over the last year as we remain committed to transparency with our stakeholders, customers and consumers.”
Highlights of the report, the release said, include:
- Food waste: The company applied shelf-life extension technology to more than 34 million pounds of avocados, beating its waste reduction goal by 55%.
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Mission sponsored the produce industry’s first-ever DEI initiative in partnership with the Produce Marketing Association’s Center for Growing Talent.
- Emissions: Mission decreased trash sent to landfills by 19% and increased recycling by 33% compared to fiscal year 2020.
- Plastic reduction: Mission used bags with finer netting and thinner film without sacrificing quality and performance, reaching more than one-third of the company’s plastic reduction goal to decrease plastic in 50% of the bags packed and shipped globally by fiscal year 2025.
- Community investment: Mission is on track to increase its charitable giving by 50% by the end of 2022.
“As a global leader in precision farming practices, Mission uses less to grow more,” Delanie Beeson, Mission’s global science and sustainability manager, said in the release. “From field to fork, we strive to provide a high-quality product to our customers without sacrificing our commitment to sustainability. The health and safety of our people, our product and our planet will continue to be a guiding force in the future of our business.”
