Hass avocado supplier Mission Produce releases 2022 sustainability report

Mission Produce, Inc., an Oxnard, Calif.-based company that sources, produces and distributes fresh hass avocados with additional offerings in mangos and blueberries, has announced the release of its third annual sustainability report, “Finest for the Future.” The report communicates the company’s global sustainability efforts during fiscal year 2022; details its operating procedures, projects and achievements; and reports on the company’s global use of resources, according to a release.

“For 40 years, we have invested in sustainable practices to protect our land, preserve our resources and support the health and safety of our people,” said CEO Steve Barnard, in the release. “We strive to create a positive impact not only for our company, but for the communities and environments in which we operate.”

Mission says its sustainability highlights for fiscal year 2022 include:

• People: From fiscal year 2020 to fiscal 2022, Mission's global charitable giving has increased by 450%, contributing to causes supporting children, families and agriculture education. One of its largest investments in 2022 involved significant infrastructure developments in La Libertad, Peru, where Mission supported the renovations of several public buildings and the construction of a bypass for clean drinking water. These advancements aim to improve quality of life for the communities surrounding Mission’s Peruvian field and packhouse operations.

• Product: As part of the company’s commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its products, Mission has a goal to reduce the plastic in 50% of the bags packed and shipped globally by fiscal year 2025. In fiscal year 2022, 46% of Mission's bags were made with reduced plastic, and since fiscal year 2021, the company has saved an estimated 5.4 million grams of plastic, the equivalent of 420,000 plastic bottles. Mission calculated the figures using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Greenhouse Gas Equivalencies Calculator.

• Planet: In fiscal year 2022, Mission planted nearly 200,000 new trees in harmony with the existing ecosystems of its managed farms in Peru, Guatemala and Colombia. Mission’s avocado trees provide a dual impact in combatting climate change — they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis, as well as capture and store CO2 through carbon sequestration. In fiscal year 2022, the CO2 stored by Mission’s trees in Peru is estimated to equal at least 21% of Mission’s total reported emissions. Mission calculated its emissions using carbon sequestration data from a study by Instituto de Investigaciones Agropecuarieas Santiago titled, “Huella de carbono en productos de exportación agropecuarios de Chile.”

“Mission's approach to sustainability is strategically designed to focus on the areas and risks most relevant to our business,” said Delanie Beeson, global science and sustainability manager. “We seek to minimize the impact of our global footprint and consistently evaluate opportunities to implement sustainable practices throughout our operations. Each of our initiatives is developed and executed to mitigate important sustainability risks affecting our people, product and planet.”

For more information on Mission’s commitment to sustainability and to download the full fiscal year 2022 sustainability report, visit the company’s website.