Latest News From Social Responsibility

Backed by calls from producers, Fairtrade America ups its banana price minimums
Backed by calls from producers, Fairtrade America ups its banana price minimums

The fair-trade certifier has increased its Fairtrade Minimum Price across 16 banana-growing countries. These price updates were informed by stakeholder consultation and a cost of production study.

NatureSweet says all branded tomato products now Fair Trade Certified
NatureSweet says all branded tomato products now Fair Trade Certified

NatureSweet says all its branded tomatoes — including Cherubs, Glorys, Constellation, Comets, Twilights and D’Vines — meet rigorous safety, environmental protection and sustainable livelihood standards.

Seald Sweet presenting limited-edition packaging to help anti-cancer efforts
Seald Sweet presenting limited-edition packaging to help anti-cancer efforts

Seald Sweet/Greenyard USA will present limited-edition packaging for lemons at the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show.

Produce exports impeded by political unrest in Guatemala
Produce exports impeded by political unrest in Guatemala

The Guatemalan fresh produce supply chain is experiencing logistics delays due to protests and road closures, says the Guatemala Produce Trade Association.

Produce brands give back at nutrition-themed charity trivia party
Produce brands give back at nutrition-themed charity trivia party

Healthy Family Project brought together over 100 dietitians to raise money and connect at the Food Nutrition Conference & Expo in Denver.

Chiquita partners with American Cancer Society for breast cancer awareness
Chiquita partners with American Cancer Society for breast cancer awareness

“Each year, breast cancer affects women and their families across the globe, which is why Chiquita is proud to once again pledge our support and help raise awareness,” said Chiquita's Tina Varjabedian.

Coalition of Immokalee Workers co-founder to receive medal for human rights achievements
Coalition of Immokalee Workers co-founder to receive medal for human rights achievements

Coalition of Immokalee Workers co-founder Lucas Benitez has been selected to receive the Wallenberg Medal, joining past recipients who include the Dalai Lama, John Lewis, Elie Wiesel and Desmond Tutu.

Labor advocates snag Walmart seed money to launch Ethical Charter program
Labor advocates snag Walmart seed money to launch Ethical Charter program

The Equitable Food Initiative and Sustainability Consortium-led Ethical Charter Implementation Program seeks to strengthen and recognize engagement around labor practices in fresh produce.

Brighter Bites ambassadors to promote its nutrition education mission
Brighter Bites ambassadors to promote its nutrition education mission

Houston-based Brighter Bites has announced the launch of the Brighter Bites Ambassador Program.

Farming under a big red sun: Worker advocates push for heat-stress protections
Farming under a big red sun: Worker advocates push for heat-stress protections

Advocates are urging action to support workers outside who are harvesting, packing and transporting fresh produce through a summer of record-breaking temperatures.

How restroom tampons can improve a produce company's culture
How restroom tampons can improve a produce company's culture

In this "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast episode, learn how improving worker safety and health is more than preventing slips and falls. It's also warmup exercises before a shift. It's feminine products in the restroom.

Peak of the Market donates 2.7M pounds of produce to community groups
Peak of the Market donates 2.7M pounds of produce to community groups

In one year, Winnipeg, Manitoba-based Peak of the Market Ltd. donated more than 2.7 million pounds of produce to community groups.

DEI expert Vic Clark: How to diversify produce leadership
DEI expert Vic Clark: How to diversify produce leadership

This Equitable Food Initiative episode of “Tip of the Iceberg Podcast” features Vic Clark, who has 20-plus years in the produce industry and serves on the DEI committee of the International Fresh Produce Association.

EFI expands leadership roles to build capacity
EFI expands leadership roles to build capacity

Longtime EFI leaders Kevin Boyle and Kenton Harmer will assume expanded roles to support the farmworker nonprofit's expanding reach and strategic goals.

Department of Labor fines Washington grower $74K for H-2A violations
Department of Labor fines Washington grower $74K for H-2A violations

Central Washington-based grower Ostrom Mushroom Farms was fined $74,000 in civil penalties for H-2A violations, and the Department of Labor was able to recover $59,000 in back wages for workers, a news release said.

Lipman Family Farms donates 1,500 backpacks to youth
Lipman Family Farms donates 1,500 backpacks to youth

The Southwest Florida grower-distributor says it has given away over 14,000 backpacks and essential school supplies to the Immokalee community over the past 13 years.

Fyffes publishes second human rights report
Fyffes publishes second human rights report

The Ireland-based company has recently concluded its third year of human rights due diligence and provided an update to its salient human rights risks in its second Human Rights Report.

Project FoodBox works with NFL player to bring produce to community
Project FoodBox works with NFL player to bring produce to community

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams has announced his support for Project FoodBox.

Annual report highlights Wholesum’s social and environmental wins
Annual report highlights Wholesum’s social and environmental wins

The Arizona-based grower-shipper has published its annual report showcasing the company’s milestones in organic integrity, fair trade impact, responsible agriculture and U.N. sustainability goals.

Why this produce company eliminated drug tests, background checks
Why this produce company eliminated drug tests, background checks

In this episode of "Tip of the Iceberg Podcast," learn from Gretchen Grani of Bonduelle Fresh Americas about how the multinational produce company became B Corp Certified. It wasn't easy, she'll tell you.

Food Lion recognizes C.H. Robinson for partnership in supply chain solutions, hunger relief
Food Lion recognizes C.H. Robinson for partnership in supply chain solutions, hunger relief

Robinson Fresh has been awarded The Grand Lion for Good Vendor Award from retailer Food Lion for its support of hunger relief projects and commitment to driving efficiencies across the fresh produce supply chain.

Florida farmworker's death was preventable, Labor Department says
Florida farmworker's death was preventable, Labor Department says

After an investigation into the death of a worker in Parkland, Fla., OSHA has cited a labor contractor for a serious violation for exposing workers to hazards associated with heat while working in direct sun.

Rouge River Farms adds Ontario sweet corn farms to EFI certifications
Rouge River Farms adds Ontario sweet corn farms to EFI certifications

The North American sweet corn grower recently achieved EFI certification across its entire supply chain with the addition of its farms in Ontario.

EFI spotlights how engaging workers leads to better safety and service
EFI spotlights how engaging workers leads to better safety and service

The Equitable Food Initiative is using National Safety Month to underscore ways to engage the 2.6 million U.S.-based farmworkers in strategies to increase safety, drive efficiencies and boost retention and recruitment.

SEPC champions annual Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta race benefit
SEPC champions annual Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta race benefit

The Southeast Produce Council has delivered over 12,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables to race participants and attendees as title sponsor at annual benefit race.

Shuman Farms expands commitment to hunger-fighting initiatives
Shuman Farms expands commitment to hunger-fighting initiatives

The Georgia grower-packer-shipper of sweet onions recently celebrated a new charitable partnership and an addition to its June Feeding America retail programs.

Bobalu Berries awards 23 scholarships to high school seniors
Bobalu Berries awards 23 scholarships to high school seniors

Bobalu Berry Farms has awarded 23 scholarships to students at nine high schools.

California’s governor supports farmworker homeownership with $16M in grants
California’s governor supports farmworker homeownership with $16M in grants

“California isn’t California without our farmworkers ... Our farmworkers have our backs — now it’s time we have theirs,” said Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Produce on the brain: Stress, mental health and fresh produce
Produce on the brain: Stress, mental health and fresh produce

In an industry that is a dynamic as it is chaotic, fresh produce industry leaders and mental health advocates have shared resources for managing stressors faced every day.

Rockit Apple announces its first global partnership with Special Olympics
Rockit Apple announces its first global partnership with Special Olympics

Rockit Apple has announced its inaugural partnership with the Special Olympics.

Herndon Farms partners with Gary Sinise Foundation during Vidalia onion season
Herndon Farms partners with Gary Sinise Foundation during Vidalia onion season

Onions will be shipped with co-branded packaging that highlights the foundation’s work in supporting the nation's defenders, veterans and first responders, and Herndon Farms will donate a portion of the gross sales.

Oppy honored again as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies
Oppy honored again as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies

Vancouver, British Columbia-based Oppy has been recognized as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 22nd time.

Flood recovery goes beyond acreage
Flood recovery goes beyond acreage

While flooding in California’s Salinas Valley region has had an economic impact, it has taken a personal toll as well.

Lipman donates $3M to migrant children education center
Lipman donates $3M to migrant children education center

Lipman Family Farms has presented a check for $3 million to the Redlands Christian Migrant Association’s Immokalee Community Academy.

Fair Food Program, Chilean delegation take step in international expansion
Fair Food Program, Chilean delegation take step in international expansion

A delegation of Chilean representatives recently visited Immokalee, Fla., to meet with growers, buyers, farmworkers and U.S. government officials to discuss the possible expansion of the Fair Food Program in Chile.

Eagle River Seed Farm and Potatoes USA donate to local food pantry
Eagle River Seed Farm and Potatoes USA donate to local food pantry

Eagle River Seed Farm and Potatoes USA have donated more than 600 pounds of potatoes to the Vilas Food Pantry in Eagle River, Wis.

Peak of the Market Ltd.’s Farm to School Fundraiser raises record amount for schools and daycares
Peak of the Market Ltd.’s Farm to School Fundraiser raises record amount for schools and daycares

In the 2022-2023 school year, Peak of the Market Ltd.’s Farm to School program raised a record amount of $285,431 for schools, daycares and organizations across western Canada.

The Giant Co. shares second annual Community Impact Report
The Giant Co. shares second annual Community Impact Report

The 2022 report highlights the company’s corporate social responsibility initiatives centered around a purpose of “connecting families for a better future.”

HBO's 'Last Week Tonight' with John Oliver spotlights farmworkers' plight
HBO's 'Last Week Tonight' with John Oliver spotlights farmworkers' plight

HBO TV show "Last Week Tonight" with John Oliver recently highlighted some of the challenges faced by farmworkers, suggesting the Coalition of Immokalee Workers' Fair Food Program as one solution to combat exploitation.

NatureSweet ‘pollinator corridor’ site certified as voluntarily protected area
NatureSweet ‘pollinator corridor’ site certified as voluntarily protected area

The grower says it is the first private company in the Mexican state of Jalisco to receive this conservation certification, which will help preserve and protect various species.

NatureSweet creates fruit and vegetable gardens for schools in Mexico
NatureSweet creates fruit and vegetable gardens for schools in Mexico

San Antonio, Texas-based NatureSweet has partnered with a nonprofit, Fundación EDUCA México A.C., to help create herb, fruit, and vegetable gardens at schools near six NatureSweet facilities throughout Mexico.

Brighter Bites expands partnership with Sweetgreen
Brighter Bites expands partnership with Sweetgreen

Houston-based Brighter Bites continues to expand its partnership with the restaurant brand Sweetgreen.

Stemilt highlights EFI team projects during Farmworker Awareness Week  
Stemilt highlights EFI team projects during Farmworker Awareness Week  

Wenatchee, Wash.-based Stemilt Growers is celebrating Farmworker Awareness Week by sharing the key role farmworkers play in its success.

Farmworkers open up about their experiences in new video series
Farmworkers open up about their experiences in new video series

The Equitable Food Initiative's leadership team committee worked with farming operations and co-workers to create the series to educate and raise awareness about the realities of being a farmworker.

'Tip of the Iceberg' podcast: The 'best of' episode to satisfy that itch
'Tip of the Iceberg' podcast: The 'best of' episode to satisfy that itch

Learn the major takeaways from several produce leaders in this final "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast episode of a 12-part series with Equitable Food Initiative.

All Fyffes Latin American farms are now enrolled in gender equality programs
All Fyffes Latin American farms are now enrolled in gender equality programs

The company’s goal is that all of its Fyffes employees in Latin American sites will benefit from gender equality programs by 2025, in addition to 50% of its suppliers by 2030.

'Tip of the Iceberg' podcast: Stemilt, EFI urge sharing about your #AlwaysEssential farmworkers
'Tip of the Iceberg' podcast: Stemilt, EFI urge sharing about your #AlwaysEssential farmworkers

There are 2.6 million men and women working on farms and ranches in the U.S., and consumers want to know about them. Well, there’s a week for that (and those other 51 weeks too).

'Tip of the Iceberg' podcast — Can farmworkers star in big agtech innovations?
'Tip of the Iceberg' podcast — Can farmworkers star in big agtech innovations?

Listen to the latest episode, conducted in partnership with Equitable Food Initiative.

GLOBALG.A.P. gains ISEAL community member status
GLOBALG.A.P. gains ISEAL community member status

The farm assurance brand has shown a commitment to sustainability by achieving community member status with ISEAL, an organization whose members meet commitments that ladder up to U.N. Sustainable Development Goals.

New tool shows food access map
New tool shows food access map

The Food Equity Opportunity Map highlights areas of the U.S. where improving access to good and nutritious food would make the greatest impact.