California Giant Berry Farms appoints director of sustainability

In a move that it says demonstrates its commitment to environmental sustainability, California Giant Berry Farms has appointed Justin Kosta as director of sustainability. Kosta will play a pivotal role in the expansion of California Giant’s corporate sustainability program that will extend to its grower partners throughout the Americas, according to a release.

Kosta has held several sustainability-focused positions of increased scope and responsibility throughout his more than 18-year career, including working as an environmental consultant in Latin America and holding management positions in the federal government and food industry.

He joins the Watsonville, Calif.-based California Giant Berry Farms from Foster Poultry Farms, where he was the director of environmental affairs and sustainability. There, Kosta established the company’s vision and strategy for its sustainability and environmental programs at over 200 facilities in seven different states.

“Sustainability is an important area of focus for our long-term strategy,” Joe Barsi, president of California Giant Berry Farms, said in the release. “Justin’s experience and proven track record make us certain that he is the right leader for California Giant. We look forward to seeing his leadership complement our goal to deliver the highest quality berries in the most sustainable way.”

Kosta holds a master’s degree in environmental management and an undergraduate degree in political science from the University of San Francisco.