Sponsored — People First: Social Responsibility in Fresh Produce

(Sponsored Content)

January 11 2022 - February 22, 2022



Presented by The Packer and Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), People First is a spotlight on social responsibility in fresh produce with several weeks of focused content published and promoted across all The Packer platforms. Headlining the program will be a free, four-part webinar series that will feature interviews with changemakers in the field and cover topics including social compliance, worker voice, recruitment, and The Ethical Charter for Responsible Labor Practices.
 


Session 1: Challenges and Opportunities for the American Grower

January 11, 2022 – 1:00 – 2:00 CST

Frank conversation that takes a hard look at the most pressing challenges facing the American grower and breaks down the opportunities that are needed to keep the fresh produce industry alive and thriving. The focus will be wide-ranging, from the impacts of labor shortages amid an immigration crisis to the evolving demands of an increasingly global market.

Moderator:
Amy Sowder, retail editor for The Packer and editor of PMG Magazine

Speakers:
Kevin Boyle, Business & New Product Development Director, EFI
Scott Mabs, CEO, Homegrown Organic Farms


Session 2: Solving Labor & Recruitment Challenges

January 25, 2022 – 1:00 – 2:00 CST

Comprehensive overview of how to recruit and integrate guest and H2A visa workers into your workforce. This session provides a primer on getting started, highlights critical recruitment risks to avoid, and examines the benefits of investing in clean recruitment will show up in your operation, starting with food safety.

Moderator:
Matt Rogers, co-founder and general manager, AgSocio

Speakers: 
Kenton Harmer, Managing Director, EFI
Norma Encinas, H2A Program Director, CIERTO


Session 3: Hiring for the Skills of Tomorrow

February 8, 2022 – 1:00 – 2:00 CST

Industry leaders are distinguished by their capacity to anticipate and meet sudden changes in technology and market conditions. This session will explore how upskilling and credentialing agricultural workers is key to developing the competency to meet the supply chain needs of the future.

Moderator:
Kevin Boyle, Business & New Product Development Director, EFI

Speakers: 
Vivian Page, Vice President of Human Capital, Stemilt Growers
Erika Castro, Human Resources Specialist, Windset Farms


Session 4: Greenhouses: A Tool for the Sustainable Future

February 22, 2022 – 1:00 – 2:00 CST

How do you implement sustainability? Growers are hearing this question more every day. This session will offer a framework for defining sustainability, explore how to get started with implementation, and share real world experiences from innovative growers who are clearing a path down this road.

Moderator:
Lilian Autler, Senior Facilitator, Workforce Development, EFI

Speakers:
Kieran Ficken, Sustainability Program Manager, Measure to Improve
Jeff Madu, Vice President, Sales, Windset
Alejandro Lopez, Grower, Windset


Session 5: Social Responsibility: What Really Matters to Consumers

May 19 2022 – 1:00 – 2:00 CST

Today’s consumer is growing more and more interested in issues surrounding social responsibility. They care about transparency, equity, environment and people. But what are the real issues causing them to vote with their wallets when it comes to purchase behavior and brand loyalty? 

Join us as LeAnne Ruzzamenti of EFI and Chris Padgett, a consultant with Working Strategy, dive into the big issues that drive consumer consciousness and ultimately impact purchase behavior and brand loyalty. 

    Key topics and takeaways include:
•    The top social responsibility issues consumers care about
•    What consumer demographics are most engaged in social responsibility issues
•    What social issues will most likely cause consumers to negatively respond to your brand 

Ideal for marketing and communications professionals, sales and business development personnel and buyers, this webinar will help you learn more about social responsibility and what really matters to consumers.  

 


Sponsored by
Stemlit

 

Latest News

Maryland expands spotted lanternfly quarantine
Maryland expands spotted lanternfly quarantine

The state’s department of agriculture added 17 counties to control the spread of the invasive insect.

2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall
2024 NGA Show concludes with record attendance, sold-out expo hall

Organizers said 3,600 grocery professionals participated in the three-day event, the largest in the National Grocers Association's 42-year history.

Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'
Inspiration on the agenda: The Viva Fresh ‘Clean Eating Challenge'

Now in its fifth year, the Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge supports industry peers taking the challenge to eat more fruits and vegetables, while making the meaningful first steps to improve their health and lives.

Research examines intelligent systems to prevent freeze damage
Research examines intelligent systems to prevent freeze damage

A research team at Penn State University looks to use real-time data and an unmanned vehicle to better target heat in orchards during freeze events.

Strong Texas onion crop expected
Strong Texas onion crop expected

Barring unforeseen weather events, Texas spring onion season is expected to feature plenty of good-quality product, growers say.

TIPA adds new VP, general manager
TIPA adds new VP, general manager

Rodrigo Castaneda, who joins the company with more than 25 years of experience in various industries, is expected to help expand the company’s presence.