Edward says that SISC has attempted to create a standard way to measure metrics related to sustainability but acknowledged there is more work to be done.
The whole reason why SISC was created, she says, was to have a multi-stakeholder process in which different but equal voices can have one yardstick that the whole industry can use to measure sustainability, in a way that works for the grower and provides value as a management tool.
The limited resources of SISC may have slowed progress to that goal, but Edwards says that SISC has big chances to help specialty crop growers throughout the U.S.
“I think it’s really important that the message get out to the industry, to buyers and to grower groups, to the entire industry — that is the mission and purpose of SISC,” she says. “They are all welcome to join to help facilitate that.”
If the industry is complaining about the lack of alignment or harmonization, she says one way to address that issue is to join SISC.
“The room exists to have that conversation, and that’s what this is for the produce and for the whole specialty crop industry,” she says.
“I think what needs to happen is that people need to know about SISC more and the value of that and really get behind it and support it,” she says.
While there is some push-back against collecting and sharing data, Edwards says, farmers and agriculture are likely to be asked more and more about data.
“Ag is going to be asked for this more and more and more, and it’s going to have to deliver one way or the other,” she says.
“That’s what SISC (is doing), is trying to get out ahead and trying to solve that,” she says.
SISC is trying to make sure that when farmers are asked for data, the process is done in a way that it is easy to collect and valuable to growers as a management tool, and that information is shared in a way that it adds value to everyone in the supply chain.
“We don’t have (all) the answers but the industry is welcome to come and join us in helping figure that out,” she says.
Grower groups may be in the best position to help individual growers understand what is needed to track the metrics, connect those growers with solutions when needed, helping track their improvement over time and telling their story.
“I’d love to get many more grower groups involved; they are the best partners and advocates,” she says.
SISC has about 45 board members and also has an affiliate membership program for software companies and agricultural input companies. All of SISC’s funding comes from its members.
“If the industry likes the idea of having a single yardstick, reducing duplication and moving to harmonization, then they should really support (SISC),” she says.
