EFI's Latest News

women farmworker smiling in a beautiful landscape full of crops.
Maria de Sagrario Iglesias of FirstFruits Farms has been named the winner of the inaugural Grow the Good Farmworker of the Year Award, a groundbreaking program to recognize the invaluable contributions of farmworkers in the fresh produce industry....
Mental Health Awareness Month is a reminder, but supporting farmworker mental health is a year-round responsibility. Employers can take concrete steps to support the mental well-being of their farmworkers: Provide education and training, offer resources and referrals, create a culture...
Farmworker awareness week logo with green letters
Since 2020, EFI has provided a free communications toolkit to encourage industry members to participate in celebrating the week and has continued to add new tools and resources each year. The toolkit, available at equitablefood.org/toolkit, is sent to every state...
cover of episode of the podcast with blue, orange, white colors and the picture of the guest
Marissa encourages fresh produce industry members to amplify their voices to help shape policies that benefit both the industry and consumers alike. By advocating for produce, companies ensure they're not sidelined but seated at the table of influence. Because if...
Agriculture is Climate Work video highlights a recent project to reduce waste and emissions on GoodFarm's strawberry operation....
worker carrying an strawberry crate

Three upcoming events offer examples and guidance on sustainability in fresh produce MEDIA RELEASE Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti, (202) 524-0540, media@equitablefood.org WASHINGTON, April 3, 2024 – Equitable Food Initiative, the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers...

Coordinating & Communicating Sustainability Efforts A growing number of innovative farmers and scientists are moving toward farming systems that are more sustainable—environmentally, economically and socially. These systems use state-of-the-art, science-based practices that maximize productivity and profit while minimizing environmental damage....

cover of episode of the podcast with blue, orange, white colors and the picture of the guest
Clarke highlights the repercussions of avoiding difficult conversations or not handling them effectively in the workplace. Some individuals may feel apprehensive about making mistakes since they fear the consequences that come with it....
EFI has been certifying farms to its rigorous social responsibility, food safety and integrated pest management standards for nearly a decade and was proud to earn recognition from the Global Food Safety Initiative in 2022. EFI will continue to offer...
Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, proudly announces the kickoff of the second annual Farmworker of the Year Award. The award honors the vital contributions of farmworkers, whose...
EFI celebrated an impactful new program launch, grew its dedicated staff and streamlined certification to make it more cost-effective for growers starting in 2024. EFI brought together leading industry buyers and suppliers to launch the Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP);...
cover of episode of the podcast with blue, orange, white colors and the picture of the guest
The launch of the Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP) on November 1st has sparked excitement and raised many questions. In this episode of the Tip of the Iceberg Podcast, we delve into the topic with two distinguished guests: Peter O’Driscoll,...
Veg-Fresh Farms proudly announces significant advancements in employee health and morale following the EFI certification of two packing facilities and citrus fields. The initial certification, completed in September, set a record-tying pace....
Farmworkers from efi-certified farms

November and December provide an opportunity for reflection on a year filled with meaningful experiences, expressing gratitude to those who contributed along the way. Acknowledging the indispensable contribution of farmworkers who tirelessly provide the sustenance that graces our tables daily...

Pictures of the new hires. Two Hispanic woman

Welcomes New Project Manager and Marketing Associate MEDIA RELEASE Contact: LeAnne R. Ruzzamenti, (202) 524-0540, media@equitablefood.org WASHINGTON, November 8, 2023 – Equitable Food Initiative, the capacity-building and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, is proud...