EFI is the most rigorous certification in the industry, addressing 300+ standards that include labor conditions, food safety and pest management in all levels of the farming operation.
EFI Certification Meets Multiple Retail Requirements in a Single Audit
EFI’s certification program was created with the goal of reducing audit burden for growers. Our approach builds a framework and an internal culture of continuous improvement that helps growers respond to evolving retail requirements. Plus, a single audit satisfies multiple retail requirements. 
Benefits of Certification
EFI certification brings increased assurance to retailers and consumers about how the fresh fruits and vegetables they purchase are grown. As a grower, it brings you assurance as well; knowing that your workforce is armed with the skills and support it needs to help you excel in a global marketplace.
Much more than a certification, EFI is a workforce development resource that commits your organization to continuous improvement and helps drive business performance via a multi-stakeholder approach that brings value to everyone in the supply chain.
What you gain:
- Increased assurance and value for retailers
- Increased trust and transparency among consumers. According to Label Insights, 94 percent of consumers will be loyal to a brand that offers total transparency
- A workforce development program that supports continuous improvement and drives business efficiencies and ROI
- Confidence that your staff has the skills and support to compete in a global competitive market
- An engaged Leadership Team to provide input to evolving business concerns
- Increased knowledge shared across the supply chain – from the front line to point of sale
EFI partners with growers, retailers and farmworkers to build the necessary skills and adopt a culture of continuous improvement on farms.
“EFI is like the Toyota production system for agriculture. When Toyota empowered their workers, they created efficiencies and productivity. Our workers are extremely skilled. If we can empower them, they will find that productivity. We appreciate that the bar is always going to be raised. We are committed to continuous improvement and the EFI model underscores that with all of our employees.”
John Farrington
Chief Operating Officer
Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce
EFI Certification Process
The first step in the certification process is Grower Mapping, where EFI learns about the grower’s business and needs. The training and skill development process will be defined to complement your existing structures, systems and staff skills and knowledge.
- Based on the information gathered in the Grower Mapping process, EFI facilitators custom design and lead a Leadership Team training.
- Once in place, the Leadership Team works to ensure that the farming operation is in compliance with EFI Standards.
- When they are ready, the Leadership Team calls for a third-party verification audit from a certifying body.
- Upon receiving certification, the grower is licensed to use the EFI label on certified produce and charge participating retail buyers a premium that is returned to workers in the form of a bonus.
Learn more about the certification process
Costs Associated with EFI
As a nonprofit organization, EFI is funded through a combination of corporate and foundation donations and earned revenue.
Costs will vary for each grower depending on its scale and scope, but expenses fall into three categories for growers working toward EFI certification:
- Leadership Team Training – A hybrid approach of in-person and remote training for each farming operation’s Leadership Team is customized and costs depend on factors including size and complexity of the operation. EFI staff work closely with farm management to determine the best and most cost-effective approach for training.
- Improvements to Meet Compliance – management and the Leadership Team determine what additions or improvements need to be made to meet compliance with the EFI Standards and there may be costs associated with those changes and additions.
- Third-Party Audits – the grower retains an approved certifying body to audit to EFI Standards and grant certification.
Upon receiving EFI certification, growers begin adding the EFI Premium to orders with participating retail buyers. The premium is paid by the retailer and used to reward workers for the additional responsibility they assume in the EFI model. For a current commodity schedule and list of participating retail partners, reference the EFI Standards.
EFI Growers Share Their Perspectives and Insights
Grower Perspectives
“In every operation where we have been working towards EFI certification, the Leadership Team has addressed a problem that has been a defined problem for management for a very long time. Having a team of people from every part of the operation allows us to take advantage of their knowledge, and together, we can come up with a better idea.”
Alma Rivera
Corporate Social Responsibility
Alpine Fresh, Inc.
“EFI gives our associates the tools they need to better communicate and share an idea, a better practice or something they would like to change. It also provides us a way to demonstrate to our clients that we have a strong commitment to transforming the industry and the lives of our associates.”
Héctor Espinosa Trujillo
Best Company to Work For Director
NatureSweet Tomatoes
“EFI is more than a certification—it is a change management program. Introducing the skills and concepts from the EFI Program into our workforce enabled us to bring everyone together to strive for the highest standards. I have great confidence that the whole team understands and is working toward those standards in everything they do.”
Kevin Doran
President & CEO
Houweling’s Tomatoes