RaboResearch analyst to consider economic elements of sustainability
Sustainability often is defined as the triple bottom line of people, profit and planet.
Economist Roland Fumasi will be speaking at noon Central on Sept. 23 at The Packer’s virtual Sustainable Produce Summit on the economic aspects of sustainability.
Fumasi, vice president and senior analyst for RaboResearch Food & Agrobusiness, said if any one of the pieces is missing, it is impossible to have a sustainable industry.
His presentation at the Sustainable Produce Summit will delve into the economic elements of sustainability, a topic that is ignored by some.
“The economic piece of sustainability seems often forgotten in some circles,” he said Sept. 2. “While economics is never forgotten in agricultural circles, the discussion often centers around the costs associated with environmental and social sustainability at the expense of economic sustainability.”
Fumasi said that is a legitimate concern, but the expectations of increased environmental and social sustainability are not going away.
“The produce industry must change the paradigm and narrative, both internally and externally,” Fumasi said. “We must begin to recognize, measure and communicate how existing and increasing sustainability efforts create value for both consumers and the industry. We must recognize the economic benefits (and costs of inaction), before we can accurately calculate the benefit/cost equation.”
Registration for The Packer’s Sustainable Produce Summit is available online.
The Packer's Sustainable Produce Summit
The Packer's Sustainability Coverage