The Ethical Charter Implementation Program has released its second annual industry report, which it says spotlights significant growth in participation and measurable progress in how the fresh produce industry approaches responsible labor practices.
ECIP says more than 300 suppliers and 1,700 growers now participate in the Learn, Assess and Benchmark platform, or ECIP LAB. The organization says this expansion reflects broad industry adoption as a practical, non-audit approach to strengthening labor management systems and advancing continuous improvement.
“We are excited to celebrate the growth ECIP experienced in its second year and believe it is on a trajectory to scale across the produce value chain,” says Laura Himes, vice president of produce sourcing for Walmart. “More importantly, the continuous improvement tools and resources that ECIP offers are helping develop a more resilient industry through stronger management systems and responsible labor practices.”
The number of suppliers earning two or more engagement stars rose from 41 to 137. ECIP says this 234% increase year over year signals stronger alignment with principles in the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices and more active supply chain participation.
“Strong renewal rates are showing that suppliers and growers see real value in ECIP, using it to benchmark progress, strengthen systems and stay aligned with evolving expectations around responsible labor practices,” says Kenton Harmer, director of market-based impact at the Equitable Food Initiative, which oversees the ECIP software platform and provides technical support.
By the end of 2025, 60% of participating growers were classified as highly engaged by earning three or more engagement stars or through their participation in an approved third-party audit program that qualifies them for a gold star, according to ECIP.
“What we’re seeing in this second annual report is not just growth in numbers but growth in how suppliers and growers are using ECIP to build stronger management systems, engage their workforce more effectively and demonstrate continuous improvement over time,” Harmer says.
ECIP’s second annual report highlights key areas of strength across the industry, including more structured oversight of grower networks, clearer contracting practices and stronger internal accountability systems among suppliers. Among growers, foundational practices such as freely chosen employment, worker communication systems and documented management processes are becoming increasingly standardized, according to the program.
“ECIP has become a key component of how we operate at Costco,” says Amanda Kuhn, produce buyer at Costco Wholesale. “We encourage our suppliers not only to join the platform but also to meaningfully engage with its tools and resources to strengthen their labor practices and drive continuous improvement. We’re excited to see the broader industry embrace this important program and its impressive growth in such a short time.”
ECIP participation now spans across North, South and Central America and South Africa, which the program says underscores its relevance across diverse production regions and supply chains. Mexico is the most engaged geographic location, with dense activity in the U.S. and Canada.
Access the full report at ethicalcharterprogram.org/report.
