International Fresh Produce Association sustainability experts attended the United Nation’s climate change conference, COP28, in the United Arab Emirates. The conference, in its 28th year, brings together world leaders and governments, business and nonprofit leaders and academic experts to find concrete sustainability solutions.
“COP28 is the place for global decision-makers to discuss issues that impact sustainability and climate change,” Max Teplitski, IFPA chief science officer, said in a news release. “IFPA is at COP28 this year to represent that global fresh produce and floral industry because, as one of the most affected industries, it’s critical that we’re present and engaged in creating solutions that are workable and ensure that we can continue to feed nutritious, fresh products to our growing world.”
Tamara Muruetagoiena, IFPA’s director of sustainability, joined Teplitski at COP28 to advocate for the involvement of food in the world’s climate plans.
“While I’m thrilled to see that food will be incorporated in the world’s plans by 2025, it is important for our industry to be present here at COP28 to ensure that the solutions proposed to feed a growing world consider the realities of growing and distributing safe, nutritious and sustainably-produced food,” Muruetagoiena said in the release. “Our message is that our industry is a critical part of the solution to climate change through the consumption of fruits and vegetables. The only way we can have a sustainable food system is by supporting climate-smart agriculture and carbon farming.”
