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EFI's Latest News

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 9: AgSocio’s Matt Rogers on Ethical — and Competitive — Labor Contracting

Matt Rogers, from AgSocio, sheds light on labor providers, also known as labor contractors, and addresses questions related to seasonality, labor activities, and effectiveness. From his perspective in the retail world, he explains some of the supplier requirements and how...

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 8: How Shoppers Discover Who Picks NatureSweet Tomatoes

NatureSweet's mission is to transform the lives of agricultural workers in North America by providing opportunities for its associates to earn a transformational wage, supporting continued education, and making improvements in the community....

AgSocio First Farm Labor Contractor to Achieve Verification Through EFI Pilot Program

AgSocio, an agricultural labor and service provider operating in California and Arizona, completed an initial verification of EFI’s farm labor contractor (FLC) standards, as part of a pilot program....

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 7: Let There Be Light

In this conversation, LeAnne Ruzzamenti, the Marketing Director of Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), ask Araceli and Eduardo to highlight some of the initiatives that Misionero has undertaken through their EFI Leadership Team to enhance the environment and the lives of...

Fireside Chat 3: What Is Continuous Improvement and How Can I Achieve It?

This episode’s chat features a conversation between EFI’s Marketing and Sales Manager, Madelyn Edlin, and Workforce Development Specialist, Ana (Lulu) Rivera Collazo, about what continuous improvement looks like on EFI-certified operations and how companies experience the impact of this culture...

Equitable Food Initiative Expands Operations in 2022, Setting Stage for Change and Growth in the New Year

EFI marked a year of growth, new partnerships and promising tools to transform the produce industry and improve the lives of farmworkers....

Tip of the Iceberg Podcast – Episode 6: How This Fruit Tree Grower is Climbing to Meaningful Sustainability

Abundant Harvest Organic was the first fruit or vegetable grower to receive the Gold-level Regenerative Organic Certification, another recognition that joins its EFI certification. These recognitions are holistic proof of Peterson's commitment to sustainability and making sure the farm meets...

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...