Category: Stories from the Field

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...

Supporting Workers: How EFI-Certified Farms Transform Lives While Building a Dedicated Workforce

In this blog, we highlight ways that EFI-certified farming operations are supporting their workers, from providing essential school supplies to fostering flexibility for precious family moments, from supporting their workers in times of need to be a path to make...

EFI Trains Auditors to Ensure a Consistent, Coordinated and Effective Audit

As part of the Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certification process, a team of two highly trained auditors performs an audit based to EFI’s social, IPM/pollinator health and food safety standards. To keep the audits consistent and meeting high standards, EFI...

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 13: Why Bonduelle Fresh Americas Hires Chronically Underemployed People

Bonduelle Fresh got the B Corp certification for their USA operation in December. They also become the first fresh produce company in this country to get this certification when it comes to large growers, shippers, or processors. The B Corp...