Produce operators use an array of third-party certification bodies

(File image)

Third-party certification bodies play a significant but not universal role in confirming and measuring sustainability measures related to the environment.

In a survey by The Packer deployed in May, the question was asked, “Do you use third-party certification bodies to verify your work on environmental sustainability? If so, what organizations do you use?”
Several responding to the survey said they are considering third-party certification bodies.

Carlos Lopez Flores, president of Chiquita, said the company works with a variety of third-party certification bodies to verify Chiquita’s environmental work. 

“Most recently, Chiquita partnered with Science Based Target initiative (SBTi) to accurately measure our progress towards reducing our carbon emissions by 30% by 2030,” he said. “We also have a long-standing relationship with the Rainforest Alliance to ensure that biodiversity is protected on our farms.”

Chiquita
Photo courtesy Chiquita

Amada, Ariz.-based Wholesum is organic and Fair Trade certified, said Olga Borquez, sustainability manager.

Steve Roosdahl, vice president of operations for Vancouver, British Columbia-based The Oppenheimer Group, said Oppy has worked with Fair Trade USA, Fair for Life and Rainforest Alliance to certify its growers for environmental and social sustainability. In addition, he said, Oppy has used third-party certification bodies previously to measure its carbon footprint, including Offsetters and ClimateSmart. 

“We use SCS Global for verification and will report to both the Global Reporting Initiative and the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board later this year,” said Gary Hilberg, chief sustainability officer for Hamilton, Mont.-based Local Bounti.

California Giant uses TRUE and SCS as third-party certifiers, said Eric Valenzuela,  director of food safety and sustainability for the Watsonville, Calif.-based company.

Himanshu Gupta, founder and CEO of ClimateAi, said the company is considering building its own third-party verification system in the future, centered around climate resilience and farmer income resilience.

B Lab, California Green Business and California Air Resources Board are some third-party certifiers used by Veritable Vegetables, said Jennifer Doan, director of marketing for the San Francisco-based company.

“We’re being asked by some buyers to get third-party certified, said Michael Agostini, owner of Miago Produce Industry Services. 
“It’s a work in progress. As to the statement about differing opinions, we haven’t found a third party we’re fully comfortable with.

Unfortunately, politics and personal agendas can sway what’s important from one agency to another. We should still be listening to each other to make an over-all certification better. Too many want to dictate to their beliefs to soon in the process.”

Salinas, Calif.-based Taylor Farms uses the U.S. Green Building Council and Green Business Certification Inc. reference certifications and customer sustainability surveys, said Wyatt Maysey, sustainability.

Soli uses the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative third-party certifier, said Robert MacArthur, president of the climate remediation consumer reward shopping platform, based in Cambridge, Mass.

Scott Howarth, director of research and development at Sinclair International, Fresno, Calif., said the company uses OWS to conduct lab-based work and Keller and Heckman LLP for food safety and other environmental independent reviews.
 

 

Latest News

How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards
How new research could prevent frost damage in orchards

In this podcast episode, Advanced Agriscience's Collin Juurakko shares interesting discoveries he's made about how frost crystals form and how that lead to a potential solution for tree-fruit growers across the globe.

Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show
Cool Creations previews new products at AWG show

North Kansas City, Mo.-based Cool Creations LLC had two new products to show off at the Associated Wholesale Grocers' seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division
Dole, Fresh Express nix sale of fresh vegetables division

Following Department of Justice concerns about competition in the packaged salad market, the companies have abandoned the proposed $308 million deal.

Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list
Fresh Del Monte named to most trusted companies list

Fresh Del Monte is among the honorees on the Most Trustworthy Companies in America 2024 list, recognized for a commitment to quality, sustainability and innovation in fresh produce.

Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring
Improved conditions for West Mexico produce may arrive with spring

West Mexico growers faced a tough fall/winter season, but distributors believe things are looking up for spring with increased supplies and more reasonable prices.

What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar
What’s next for retail foodservice: Retailers dish up insights in free webinar

"Impact Retail Foodservice 2024" will gather industry experts to discuss opportunities and challenges, as well as share insights for driving growth in the year ahead in one of the hottest departments in grocery.