Equitable Food Initiative

EFI 2024 Reflections, Insights & Impacts: New Programs 2024 Impact: This year, we launched a new program area with online courses, seminars, and webinars, engaging 500 attendees across various topics. These efforts helped the produce industry enhance its social responsibility programs and better align with the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices, driving positive change and fostering industry-wide growth. Looking Ahead to 2025: As we move into 2025, we’re excited to expand on this momentum by offering even more opportunities for industry professionals to engage in meaningful learning experiences. Our goal is to continue empowering organizations to adopt responsible labor practices, strengthen their workforce, and build a more sustainable future for farmworkers and the agricultural industry. Stay tuned for more courses and impactful resources in the new year at at https://hubs.li/Q02Zz_d-0

As we reflect on the year, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible support and dedication from our community. Thank you for your continued commitment to creating positive change for farmworkers and the produce industry. Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year! Together, we’ll continue making a lasting impact in 2025. With heartfelt thanks, The EFI Team

EFI 2024 Reflections, Insights & Impacts: New Suppliers With the addition of Bridges Produce, inc, DelFrescoPure, FirstFruits Farms LLC, NatureFarms Management LLC and Scenic Fruit Company, we are expanding across our industry! These new partnerships enhance the collective commitment to improving farmworker welfare, fair labor practices, and sustainability. As more farms adopt EFI certification, the industry moves closer to a future where responsible farming is the standard, benefiting workers, growers, and consumers alike. This growth in our network sets the stage for an even stronger, more resilient supply chain in 2025 and beyond.

The EFI 2025 Course Catalog is now available, offering a range of opportunities to equip your team with essential skills and knowledge to enhance social responsibility and alignment with the Ethical Charter on Responsible Labor Practices. Our seminars and courses are designed to help your workforce thrive and drive your company’s growth in the new year. Take the first step toward building a stronger, more capable team by exploring our professional development offerings today! Visit https://hubs.li/Q02ZzL3f0 to learn more.

What We Are Reading: CEO Rodolfo Spielmann of NatureSweet shares how the company’s “putting people first” strategy has been a game-changer. By championing workers and prioritizing their well-being, NatureSweet has unlocked tremendous growth and success. This approach highlights the power of investing in people to foster resilience, innovation, and long-term impact. Read the article at https://hubs.li/Q02ZzvYJ0

Discover the importance of human connection in sustainability through this free webinar! Join Garland Perkins, Director of Innovation and Sustainability at Oppy, to discover how a people-focused approach is essential for driving long-term viability and impactful sustainability. 

EFI 2024 Reflections, Insights & Impacts: Farmworker Benefits Worker Engagement & Financial 💰 Benefit: The EFI certification program has directly contributed nearly $25M in worker bonuses since its inception, with over $4M generated in 2024 alone. This financial benefit underscores EFI's commitment to improving the livelihoods of farmworkers and reinforcing the value of responsible labor practices. Skill Development 📚 : EFI has trained nearly 5,000 agricultural professionals in key foundational skills like communication, conflict resolution and problem-solving. In 2024, more than 150 individuals received training specifically for EFI certification programs. This contributes to building a more skilled and empowered workforce, fostering better work environments and growth opportunities.

🎨✨ Reminder: The deadline for the Farmworker Illustration Contest is fast approaching – December 20! Submit your artwork and have your piece featured in the design of EFI's updated Leadership Team Training Manual. This is your chance to make an impact and showcase your creativity! 🎨✨ Recordatorio: La fecha límite para el Concurso de Ilustración se acerca rápidamente - el 20 de diciembre. Envíanos tu obra de arte y haz que tu obra aparezca en el diseño del Manual de Capacitación para los Equipo de Liderazgo de EFI. Esta es tu oportunidad de crear impacto y mostrar tu creatividad. #FarmworkerIllustration #ArtForChange #FarmworkerVoices" 👉 Learn more and submit your entry here / Conoce más y sube tu obra aquí https://hubs.li/Q02ZyS890

EFI 2024 Reflections, Insights & Impacts: ECIP Engagement The engagement numbers for the Ethical Charter Implementation Program—250 suppliers and nearly 1,200 growers—signify significant progress in the produce industry’s adoption of responsible labor practices. This level of participation reflects a growing commitment to social responsibility, indicating that more companies are prioritizing ethical treatment of farmworkers and implementing practices that align with the Ethical Charter’s guidelines. In essence, it shows that the industry is increasingly aware of and taking action on issues like fair wages, worker welfare, and transparency. This broader engagement also signals the potential for even greater industry-wide impact in the future, contributing to a more sustainable and equitable agricultural supply chain.

This article by Alexandra Hill was picked up in several major daily newspapers. “Farmwork Is Difficult but Not Hopeless,” highlights the resilience of farmworkers while envisioning a future that recognize them as skilled professionals. At EFI, we share this dream of a “world of farm professionals” and are committed to ensuring farmworkers have a voice and opportunities to navigate technological advancements and industry challenges. Read the article at https://hubs.li/Q02ZyVpS0