Category: In the News

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 16: How ‘Green Teams’ Help 3 California Farms Reduce Waste by 2025

EFI and MTI collaborated in training at all three operations, starting with a general introduction to sustainability concepts like climate change, waste, and waste reduction. Following, every agricultural facility organized a “Green Team” consisting of 12 to 20 employees from...

Rouge River Farms’ Second Consecutive EFI Fair: A Celebration of Learning and Collaboration

Rouge River Farms celebrated its second annual EFI Fair during the last week of September. This four-day celebration was dedicated to promoting and reviewing EFI standards among the EFI Leadership Teams and workers. Each day focused on a different set...

USDA Grant Program Provides Funding to Improve Working Conditions

EFI Training and Certification Align With Grant Objectives Whether you are currently an EFI certified operation or interested in starting the process to earn certification, a new grant program from USDA might help you cover the costs of training, certification...

EFI Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

During the months of September and October, EFI is embracing Hispanic Heritage Month. EFI comes together to honor the profound impact of Hispanic individuals on the agricultural landscape. Rooted in rich traditions and a deep connection to the land, the...

Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP) Seeks to Recognize and Strengthen Engagement Around Labor Practices in the Fresh Produce Industry

Fresh produce industry stakeholders have come together to design the Ethical Charter Implementation Program, which recognizes and strengthens engagement around labor practices in the fresh produce industry without the burden of additional audits....

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 15: How This Organic Grower Prevents Falls, Menstruation Embarrassment

Blanca takes us back to the roots of their safety and wellness efforts, which began in 2020 with EFI certification. Their primary focus revolved around ensuring the safety of their workers, particularly concerning ladder usage in the fields and fruit...

Becoming a Family-Friendly Work Place

With back to school underway, employees may be feeling the strain of new schedules and extra expenses for everything from back-to-school supplies to sports equipment and school fees. The National Center for Farmworker Health reports that 57% of U.S. farmworkers...

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 14: DEI expert Vic Clark “How to Diversify Produce Leadership”

In this episode of the Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, Vic Clark, a 20+ year fresh produce veteran who has held general manager roles in several fresh produce companies, provides a new perspective on how the generational history of farming...

Two EFI Directors Assume Expanded Roles

Positions Align With New Strategic Goals MEDIA RELEASE Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti, (202) 524-0540, media@equitablefood.org WASHINGTON, August 14, 2023 – Equitable Food Initiative, the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, has announced new...