Watsonville, Calif., grower, shipper and wholesaler California Giant Berry Farms says it now offers Fair Trade USA-certified strawberries.
“This represents a significant milestone in our continued journey towards sustainable and socially responsible agriculture,” California Giant Berry Farms President Joe Barsi said in a news release. “By obtaining Fair Trade USA’s certification, we’re not only ensuring fair compensation for workers but also empowering our local communities.”
The company said it is the first large-scale berry operation to achieve Fair Trade USA’s certification for California-grown strawberries, with the first pick of its fair-trade berries happening May 18 in Watsonville.
“We are thrilled to partner with California Giant Berry Farms to deliver the first Fair Trade Certified strawberries from California,” Fair Trade USA founder and CEO Paul Rice said in the release. “When we launch a new product, we always look for a partner who is values-aligned and has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability. It has been wonderful to work with California Giant Berry Farms to bring the program to life with their workers and leadership.”
