International Fresh Produce Association is offering a free Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Toolkit specifically for the produce and floral industry. The toolkit helps produce businesses drive performance and boost recruitment and retention, according to the association.
“IFPA’s DEI Toolkit is an essential resource for any member company seeking to attract and retain today’s top talent by creating an inclusive culture and sense of belonging among all its people,” Laura Himes, vice president of fresh sourcing at Walmart and chair of IFPA’s DEI committee, said in a news release.
IFPA said it organized the toolkit in three parts to help its members understand DEI and why it matters, help management and HR leaders in a DEI program, and provide resources to train and educate staff on essential DEI practices.
The association said it also offers how-to tools and educational resources including an online and on-demand certification to bolster staff training and development.
“There is something for everyone here: the Toolkit features brief, user-friendly videos and downloadable ‘how-to’ guides to help leaders prepare themselves and their companies for this important work, provides HR professionals and managers with educational materials and an online certificate course for staff training, and offers guidance to set measurable goals that drive team and company performance,” Himes said.
IFPA said it developed this toolkit with volunteer member input and guidance from its DEI committee and support from Korn Ferry, a global consulting firm.
“In the ever-evolving landscape of talent acquisition and business dynamics, engaging leadership in conversations about diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is pivotal,” Jin Ju Wilder, vice president of marketing and business development at Vesta Foodservice, said in the release. “Presenting a compelling DEI business case alongside a practical implementation plan is the essential first step.”
IFPA said the association plans to continue to add new tools to the DEI Toolkit as the association and its members continue to advance efforts to attract and develop the next generation of talent and future leaders of our industry.
Related: Learn more about the DEI toolkit
