Equitable Food Initiative
Nominated for her humility, leadership and communication skills, the crew foreman at Sierra Farms is one of only a few women in senior positions.
From field worker to Farmworker of the Year finalist, Rogelio Nabor Martinez’s 16-year career at Blue House Farm serves as a powerful story of technical mastery, personnel leadership and community advocacy for the modern agricultural professional.
Isaias Lepes Arredondo boasts an extraordinary 50-year career with Zirkle Fruit Co., where he currently serves as the indispensable equipment manager and has the respect and admiration of colleagues and leadership alike.
Jesús Gutiérrez Manuel is a distinguished farmworker leader who combines 15 years of agricultural expertise with a background in nursing to advocate for innovation, food safety and the holistic well-being of his peers.
Magaly Alfaro Avalos is a veteran harvest leader and aspiring agronomy engineer who has spent 18 years at NatureSweet, blending elite technical performance with a deep commitment to community advocacy and the mentorship of women in agriculture.
The Equitable Food Initiative and The Packer have revealed the the top five nominees for the third annual award, recognizing the essential leaders who ensure the success and safety of the fresh produce industry.
The Pacific Northwest grower expands its Equitable Food Initiative standards to cherry acreage, aiming for companywide certification by 2028.
The Wenatchee, Wash.-based grower says it has completed 48 worker-driven production improvement projects in the last year.
The organization says it is offering social media graphics, sample posts and videos to highlight the vital role farmworkers play in the fresh produce industry.
Alexandra Martinez, senior digital marketing and sales associate with the Equitable Food Initiative, shares what makes a winning nomination and tips for the third annual award.
Created to elevate farmworker voices and celebrate individuals whose contributions are essential to the success, safety and sustainability of the food system, the award — now in its third year — will be presented at The Packer’s West Coast Produce Expo, May 27-29 in Palm Desert, Calif.
Outgoing Executive Director Peter O’Driscoll shares why now is the right time for Gonzalo Martinez de Vedia to navigate a new era of organizational growth.
The executive director of the Equitable Food Initiative shares how the organization works to promote trust and collaboration among different stakeholders to enact real, tangible progress toward its goals.
The free and bilingual resource aims to protect agricultural workers while helping improve farm efficiencies.
Launching Engagement 2.0, the program says these updates support suppliers and growers in adopting more responsible labor practices.
In its first program report, participants show strengths in occupational safety and health but seek to develop better communication and worker protections.
Rafael Teran Melchor of Stemilt Growers is described as someone who brings people together and leads with heart, qualities that exemplify the spirit of the award, presented at West Coast Produce Expo.
“Frankie” is a quick learner and team player and has an eagerness to grow that made him stand out at Windset Farms.
Celebrating 40 years with Lakeside Organic Gardens earlier this year, Orozco is a pillar of the operation through his leadership and dedication.
“Rafa,” who has worked in sanitation for Stemilt Growers for over 16 years, has an interest in learning new things and accepts change with optimism.
The respected crew foreman’s 20-year agricultural journey showcases her intelligence, humility and commitment to uplifting her coworkers and improving company processes for the good of all.
The resilient and joyful farmworker’s dedication, optimism and care for both plants and people make her an inspiring example of strength through adversity.
During Farmworker Awareness Week, the workforce development and certification organization is promoting the importance of skilled workers in the agriculture industry.
In an industry that is a dynamic as it is chaotic, fresh produce industry leaders and mental health advocates have shared resources for managing stressors faced every day.
The Texas-based greenhouse grower has updated its website and logo to reflect expanded product line and new brand strategy.
In this Tip of the Iceberg Podcast episode teaming up with EFI, learn about a greenhouse brand that expanded a program because of how many supermarket shoppers called the customer hotline about it.
No one wants to be seriously worried about their physical safety — beyond the usual look-both-ways-when-you-cross caution — when they get out of their vehicle and walk to their work building.