EFI Certification
EFI Certification is known as the most rigorous social responsibility certification in the industry.
Through the Certification Program, EFI partners with growers, retailers and farmworkers to build the necessary skills and adopt a culture of continuous improvement on farms.
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 worker-manager collaboration.
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Why Choose EFI?
EFI goes much deeper than simply a social responsibility certification. EFI’s Leadership Team training dives into worker-manager collaboration, communication skills and goes into the 300+ certification standards. Our in-depth training not only ensures compliance but also invests in workers, preparing the operation for success throughout the certification journey and beyond. When it comes to an EFI audit, our auditors are uniquely trained to utilize a trauma-informed audit lens to conduct a human-centric audit. These unique approaches ensure a thorough evaluation that considers the well-being of the workforce throughout the auditing process and prepares the operation for success throughout the certification process and beyond.
Beyond Compliance
A commitment to continuous improvement creates a workforce that is invested in maintaining the highest standards. The EFI bonus further reinforces this commitment, encouraging employees to take the time to ensure thoroughness and ability to speak up when things aren’t quite right. This results in consistently high-quality products and enhanced retailer and consumer trust. Recognizing and rewarding employees through increased collaboration with the EFI Leadership Team not only motivates current workers but also attracts talent and decreases turnover.
Retailer-Paid Premium Program
EFI’s retailer-paid worker bonus program aims to relieve the certified operation of additional costs and burdens. The program is funded entirely by the retailer. Premium prices for each commodity vary, reflecting the difficulty and effort involved in harvesting the product. For a detailed breakdown of commodity premium prices and participating retailers, refer to the commodity schedule.
Out of the total premium, 87% directly benefits farmworkers, 3% supports the certified operation by offsetting administrative costs, and the remaining 10% is designated as a licensing fee returned to EFI. This fee contributes to marketing efforts showcasing the remarkable achievement of EFI certification.
At a Glance: Stages to Achieving EFI Certification
Frequently Asked Questions
That depends, each operation has its own needs and timing. We have seen growers take as little as 2 months to get fully certified, others can take closer to a year. One thing to keep in mind is that audits need to be done during harvest of a commodity, working back from that timeline can be helpful. We are here for as quickly as you’d like to get through to the finish line, or if you’d like to take it slow.
Yes! You can find us on page 11 of this document under “Approved Audit Programs”.
Yes! Be sure to bring up that you’re exploring EFI with your Costco buyer to get all the details.
We sure do. If you’re wanting to meet the IPM/Pollinator health requirements for Walmart, be sure you let your EFI rep know you’ll need to be audited to our IPM/Pest Management standards.
BI Farming of Plants (other than grains and pulses)
Growing or harvesting of plants (other than grains and pulses), including horticultural products and hydrophytes for food.
On farm storage of plants (other than grains and pulses), including horticultural products and hydrophytes for food
BIII Pre-process Handling of Plant Products
Activities on harvested plants, including horticultural products and hydrophytes for food, that keep the products whole and integral.
Cleaning, washing, rinsing, fluming, sorting, grading, trimming, bundling, cooling, hydro-cooling, waxing, drenching, packing, repacking, staging, storing, loading or any other handling activity that does not significantly transform the product from its original harvested form.
Read more on the GFSI-Recognized Certification page.
No. With our customized audit approach, you’re able to select what options we offer work best for your needs and what your retailers are seeking. Know that you will be audited to EFI’s culture of food safety addendum and you’ll need to provide an active GFSI-recognized food safety certification if choosing not to audit to EFI’s food safety standards.
Absolutely!
Whole Foods, Costco, Alhold Delhaze, Walmart, Target, Albertsons/Safeway and Kroger.
