Celebrating a Decade of Impact: Equitable Food Initiative’s 10-Year Journey to Better Food Systems – Insights by Perishable News

Celebrating a Decade of Change in Agriculture

Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) is turning 10! This nonprofit has been working hard to improve working conditions in the fresh produce industry. By teaming up with growers, farmworkers, and retailers, EFI has positively impacted labor practices across several countries.

Since 2013, EFI has partnered with 90 farming operations in five countries, enhancing the lives of over 65,000 farmworkers. Their training programs focus on vital skills like communication and conflict resolution, empowering almost 5,000 workers as leaders. This collaboration creates a workplace environment that benefits everyone involved.

Industry leaders are taking notice. Melinda Goodman, president of FullTilt Marketing, highlights how EFI’s unique approach meets the evolving needs of the agriculture sector. She notes that success comes from cooperation, not competition. Former board member, Maisie Ganzler, agrees, mentioning that EFI has fostered a culture where every participant’s contribution is valued.

In its first decade, EFI has facilitated over $25 million in worker bonuses. This figure shows just how essential skilled workers are to producing high-quality food. Additionally, EFI amplifies farmworkers’ voices, ensuring they are heard in various settings, from trade shows to legislative discussions.

Insights from leaders like Jane Kuhn, director of sustainability at Once Upon a Farm, emphasize the significance of EFI’s work. “EFI is about more than just ticking boxes. It invites continuous improvement and values worker expertise,” she said.

Stemilt Growers president West Mathison praised EFI for enhancing teamwork and engagement within their company. He looks forward to EFI’s growing influence among more growers in the future.

EFI is not stopping there. They launched the Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP), aimed at strengthening labor practices. The introduction of the LAB (Learn, Assess, Benchmark) platform has already reached nearly half of North America’s produce suppliers, indicating a strong demand for responsible labor tools.

Looking forward, EFI sees more chances to stabilize the agricultural workforce and boost worker engagement across the supply chain. By empowering farmworkers, they unlock the true potential of the industry’s most vital asset: its people.

For more information about Equitable Food Initiative, check out their official website at equitablefood.org.

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Equitable Food Initiative (EFI),Milestone,Once Upon a Farm