Recently, EFI celebrated a major milestone: our 10th certified operation. For an organization born as an idea scribbled onto a napkin back in 2008, EFI’s 10th certification represents nearly a decade of thinking, planning, building and growing to fulfill our goal of transforming agriculture. This milestone offers both a cause for celebration and an opportunity to reflect upon the challenges and successes that led us here and the individuals who paved the way.
EFI Success Built on Relationships
A year ago, EFI lost a colleague. Steve Fox served as EFI’s Business Development Director from March 2013 until his last days, and his impact on the organization runs deep. EFI is founded on the strength of relationships; the time and care Steve gave to his work contributed to some of our earliest, deepest ties in the produce industry. He believed in the power of growers and farmworkers coming together to build and experience new relationships, and understood the time it takes to create true change. Kevin Boyle, EFI Workforce and Business Development remembers that “[Steve] envisioned EFI creating something new, a hope for the future in agriculture.”
The months following Steve’s passing were challenging for EFI – we were a small team struggling with the loss of a key leader and friend. It quickly became clear that the best way to honor Steve and all he did for EFI was to keep the train running, building on the momentum and relationships he established. The obstacle before us evolved into a drive to make Steve’s work as meaningful as he wanted it to be. We’ve made huge strides in the last year, and we know who we have to thank.
Striving to Bring Out the Best in the Produce Industry
We reached out to Steve’s wife, Harriet, to share the news of EFI’s 10th certification and express our gratitude for Steve’s part in reaching this landmark. Harriet spoke of Steve’s pride in and dedication to EFI, and how thrilled he would be “to know that EFI is thriving and continuing to expand.” She reminded us of Steve’s long career in agriculture, from his start in produce procurement, to the export marketing company he owned, which preceded his time with EFI. “At the end of his career,” Harriet shares, “Steve was so happy to be able to make a difference in the lives of others, and to help bring out the best in an industry he loved. EFI gave him the opportunity to do both.”
Steve Fox helped cultivate the foundations that fueled EFI’s growth and led us to this milestone; we dedicate this landmark moment to him and know that it is just the beginning of EFI’s achievements thanks to the great start he gave us.
Juliana Rodriguez
Community Engagement Officer
