Category: In the News

Equitable Food Initiative Elects New Board Member

EFI board of directors elects Pete Donlon, vice president of Misionero Vegetables....

Fireside Chat 2: What Are Worker-Led Improvements, Who Benefits From Them and Do They Work?

This episode’s chat features a conversation between EFI’s Marketing and Sales Manager, Madelyn Edlin, and EFI’s Managing Director, Kenton Harmer, that dives into the meaning of worker-led improvements, worker leadership and the benefits of a workforce equipped to identify problems...

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 5: How Homegrown Organics and AgriCare (realistically) Became More Sustainable

Every day it seems more common to listen to the word sustainability, a lot of farming operations say they are committed to sustainability, but in this episode LeAnne Ruzzamenti chats with Scott Mabs, CEO of Homegrown Organic Farms, and Gunnar...

How Does Being EFI Certified Prepare Farming Operations for Evolving Retail Requirements?

When shopping for fruits and vegetables, socially conscious consumers consider the actions of companies to be just as important as value and sale price*. These consumers are putting pressure on retailers to source from socially responsible suppliers who are putting...

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 4: What Labor Shortage? How This Onions Grower Does it!

During a labor shortage crisis, many agricultural businesses are struggling to find and retain workers. However, Jessica Pedroza, the Office and Human Resources Manager at Pacific Agra Farms in Walla Walla, Washington, has found success in a different approach: building...

Fireside Chat 1: Is EFI Right for My Business?

This episode's chat features a conversation between EFI's Marketing and Sales Manager, Madelyn Edlin, and EFI's Business and New Product Development Director, Kevin Boyle, that touches on the questions growers considering certification are likely to have. Watch the full conversation...

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 3: How Small Things Are Big in Worker Safety Retention

Marylu discussed how effective communication has helped the workforce at GoodFarms. For example, when a problem with irrigation and leaks arose, the irrigators themselves came up with a solution. They realized that many workers were stepping on the water line...

Tip of The Iceberg Podcast – Episode 2: Health and Safety at Windset Farms in Delta, BC

In this episode of the podcast, LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Marketing Director of Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) had the opportunity of speaking with Maggie Torres, Manager of Learning & Development and Senior Business Partner at Stemilt Growers. Maggie sheds light on the...

How Does Having a “Culture of Change” Affect the Audit Process?

Over the last decade, the fresh produce industry has seen notable shifts in the requirements retailers expect producers to meet, and it can be expected that retailer requirements will continue to evolve. Having a company culture that can flex and...