Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP) says in a news release that it launched Engagement 2.0. The engagement thresholds and platform provide tailored guidance, useful resources and space for operations to self-evaluate and grow.
ECIP says these updates, which include new resources, enhancements to the grower platform and updated engagement, are shaped by user feedback and are designed to be more user-friendly.
Suppliers generate engagement profiles through activity on the ECIP platform and by bringing growers into the system. This profile is visible to retailers through the ECIP Buyer Dashboard, which helps track progress toward the ethical charter on responsible labor practices. Grower activity on ECIP’s platform impacts supplier engagement profiles.
“Engagement 2.0 represents the commitment of ECIP in meeting fresh produce operations where they are and helping them move forward in their social responsibility journey,” Peter O’Driscoll, executive director of Equitable Food Initiative, which manages the ECIP software platform and provides technical support, says.
ECIP says the buyer dashboards will remain unchanged between July 14 and Sept. 30 to allow time for growers to complete new self-assessments.
After Sept. 30, ECIP will reopen buyer dashboards with new suppler engagement profiles based on updated engagement criteria.
Sept. 30 is also the deadline for suppliers to qualify for the 2026 ECIP Leadership Circle and recognition held during the IFPA’s Global Produce and Floral Show.
“We know that change can be daunting, especially for busy farming operations,” Kenton Harmer, director of market-based impact for EFI, says. “Our goal with Engagement 2.0 is to make that next step more achievable and more effective, and to showcase the impactful work happening throughout the industry.”
To learn more about Engagement 2.0, visit ethicalcharterprogram.org/engagement2.
