How the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) is Transforming Its Certification Program for Future Growth

WASHINGTON – The Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), which helps growers, farmworkers, and retailers, is rolling out a smoother certification process. After ten years of experience, EFI is updating its program based on feedback from many stakeholders, including growers, suppliers, and auditors.

EFI has found that its strengths lie in engaging workers and promoting a positive workplace culture. With this in mind, the certification program will now focus on social standards and food safety culture. Growers will have the option to add integrated pest management standards if they choose.

This certification program stands out because it involves workers at every level. It encourages teamwork between workers and managers on the farm. Major retailers like Costco, Kroger, Target, and Walmart recognize this program for its effectiveness in improving communication, skills, and overall workplace culture.

“EFI’s rigorous certification process is vital,” said Preston Witt from Costco Wholesale. “We are thrilled to see the process streamlined while keeping the focus on social responsibility and sustainability in the industry.” 

Peter O’Driscoll, EFI’s executive director, noted that the organization has made strategic shifts to better align with its mission. The changes come in response to positive market feedback highlighting the program’s ability to continuously engage workers and improve workplace culture.

To enhance efficiency and reduce costs, EFI will no longer conduct certain technical food safety audits since many growers already hold other certifications. This change gives farmers more flexibility in training and standards. EFI has also developed certifications specifically for farm labor contractors and those meeting gold-level worker fairness standards in Regenerative Organic Certification.

Karla Cook, EFI’s certification manager, emphasized the goal of reducing redundancy in audits while ensuring that workers understand food safety and fair labor practices. Recent experiences have helped shape EFI’s training and auditing processes to better help new growers.

“Our competitive edge lies in fostering continuous improvement and worker engagement,” added O’Driscoll. “Focusing on what we do best opens new opportunities for EFI.”

For more details about the EFI certification program, check out equitablefood.org.

About EFI

The Equitable Food Initiative is a nonprofit focused on improving farmworkers’ lives and enhancing business performance by involving worker engagement at every level of the supply chain. It connects growers, farmworkers, retailers, and consumers to create effective training and programs that address vital industry challenges. EFI’s certification sets high standards for labor practices, food safety, and pest management, ensuring that the produce is Responsibly Grown and Farmworker Assured. For more information, visit equitablefood.org.

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