Equitable Food Initiative — a nonprofit, capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers and retailers — announced the election of seven new members to its board of directors on June 25. These individuals bring a broad range of expertise in agriculture, sustainability, ethical sourcing, labor rights and consumer engagement the group said.
Newly appointed board members include:
- Kim Combs, supplier risk and compliance manager at The Kroger Co.
- Alexandra Hill, assistant professor of Cooperative Extension at University of California, Berkeley
- Joe Martinez, co-founder and CEO at Cierto
- Gonzalo Martinez de Vedia, labor rights advocate
- Matt Rogers, general manager and co-founder at AgSocio
- Lori Taylor, founder and CEO of The Produce Moms
- Jamie Thorn, social responsibility manager, Whole Foods Market
“We’re thrilled to welcome such a dynamic group of professionals who share EFI’s values and bring diverse perspectives to the table,” says Peter O’Driscoll, executive director of EFI, in a news release. “Their insights and leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and support our evolving program areas. EFI is expanding the board now to prepare for our next five-year strategic planning process, which will begin in March 2026.”
EFI’s board brings together 16 industry leaders from across the supply chain, creating a collaborative space for innovation around how best to drive culture change and continuous improvement in labor practices, the group says. New members have experience in workforce development, food safety, sustainability, compliance and more, offering balanced, cross-sectoral expertise.
“EFI’s collaborative approach to improving labor conditions aligns deeply with my own commitment to farmworker rights,” says Martinez de Vedia. “Their technical expertise and ability to unite diverse stakeholders is what drew me to support their work.”
“My collaboration with EFI has enriched my understanding and dedication to advancing responsible sourcing programs and driving meaningful change,” Thorn says. “I’m deeply committed to their mission.”
The newly elected board members share a strong alignment with EFI’s commitment to worker-centered approaches that drive continuous improvement across the supply chain. Their diverse experiences and shared values will help strengthen EFI’s mission to foster more equitable and sustainable practices throughout the agricultural industry.
A long-time consumer awareness advocate for the fresh produce industry, Taylor emphasizes the importance of connecting EFI’s work to household decision-makers, saying, “I’m eager to help shape and share stories of EFI’s impact, especially with moms who are powerful change-makers. I saw firsthand what EFI looks like on a farm — workers engaged in every aspect of the operation — and that is the kind of story consumers want to hear and know about the food they purchase.”
“To improve the well-being of our farm workforce in ways that are sustainable for the industry, all individuals and organizations at every stage of the food supply chain must come to the table and work together,” Hill says. “EFI creates the space to discuss the challenges and opportunities and find ways to advance the viability of the agricultural industry.”
These new board members will play a critical role in shaping strategic priorities, strengthening industry partnerships and ensuring the voices of workers remain central to the organization’s work, EFI says.
