How Homegrown Organics and AgriCare (realistically) became more sustainable

It’s all fine and good to accept that sustainability is important. But how do you make this kind of positive change amid all the economic pressures companies face today?

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“Tip of the Iceberg” podcast
(Graphic: Farm Journal)

It’s all fine and good to accept that sustainability is important. But how do you make this kind of positive change amid all the economic pressures companies face today?

In our latest Tip of the Iceberg podcast episode, two company leaders talk about what they do, how and what motivates them — also, what they don’t do.

LeAnne Rhodes Ruzzamenti, EFI’s director of marketing communications, chats with Scott Mabs, CEO of Homegrown Organic Farms and Gunnar Avinelis, CEO of AgriCare, a sister company of Homegrown. They discuss how they incorporate sustainability in several different ways.

Other produce companies and retailers should think in small, tangible steps and about what fits and makes an impact for the operation, they say.

And then Mabs got real about the benefits of sustainability — how it’s not necessarily to reap near-term financial benefits. But it’s about having healthy land for the long term and seeing employees enjoy coming into work and having positive relationships.

Still, they both address that with current economic pressures, they are choosing sustainable and social initiatives that are financially feasible.

This episode marks the fifth of a series we’re doing with Equitable Food Initiative, often called EFI, which works with retailers and growers to create a transparent supply chain, a safer food system and healthier work environments. These episodes focus on the improvements companies and their people are making that elevate workers and create better working conditions.

Recent podcast episodes:

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