Fresh Picks & Sustainability Tips: October 2024

Written By MTI Sustainability Team

Most of my life and career has been growing up and working in the produce industry — first at Gills Onions, and then with Measure to Improve which I started in 2014.

I’ve seen a lot of change in the fresh produce industry, not the least of which is sustainability.

Once a nice-to-have, sustainability has become the cost of doing business.

And yet, even though many growers deeply understand the value of sustainability, have implemented initiatives, and are committed to advancing their efforts, they often tell me just how daunting it all feels. Many struggle with identifying, documenting, and effectively communicating their efforts.

So today I’d like to share three tips for advancing your sustainability efforts with greater ease.

  • Tip 1: Start where you are. I have no doubt that your organization is already embracing sustainability at some level, so celebrate where you are right now and simply focus on the next step to move your efforts forward.

  • Tip 2: Do it at your own pace. Aside from deadlines inflicted by retailers, there is no need to rush your sustainability efforts. Take your time to build a strategy and implementation timeline that works for your organization.

  • Tip 3: Don’t compare yourself to others. While it can be exciting to look at industry leaders for inspiration, I encourage you to turn the focus inward. Celebrate your own progress, bit-by-bit, and one day you’ll be able to see just how far you’ve come.

Whether your organization already has a sustainability program or initiatives, or you’re just getting started, our team of experts at Measure to Improve is ready to help – don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warmest Regards,

Nikki Cossio - Founder & CEO - Measure to Improve

 
 

Why Sustainability is Crucial for Your Business NOW

Retail giants like Walmart, Costco, Aldi, and Kroger have set clear expectations for their suppliers, and they’ve shifted from asking for sustainability to requiring it.

This isn’t just another checkbox — it’s an opportunity to align with your biggest customers, showing them that you’re committed to meeting their sustainability goals.

The time to take action is NOW. Let us help you get started with our Sustainability Strategy Planning Service.

Regenerative Agriculture: What It Is and What’s Shaping It

While there is no universal definition of regenerative agriculture, at its core, it moves beyond the idea of “doing no harm” to a more dynamic approach that includes:

  • Mitigating climate change

  • Building soil health

  • Restoring biodiversity, and

  • Contributing to the well-being of people and the planet

The future of regenerative agriculture is both promising and complex. It offers a path to a more resilient and sustainable food system but requires careful consideration and collaboration across the industry.

Achieving regenerative outcomes will demand processes, practices, and innovations customized to specific environments and cultural contexts. This includes integrating the best new research with institutional knowledge.

Learn more about the future of Regenerative Agriculture and how Measure to Improve can help you.

From the Field

Making the Most of Federal Climate Investments in Agriculture

In 2022, USDA invested over $3 billion in a new program called Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities to accelerate adoption of climate beneficial farming practices using technical and financial assistance and market development, as well as to pilot methods for measuring, monitoring, reporting and verifying greenhouse gas benefits.

California received 37 grants and about 1/3 of the funding, creating a historic opportunity to develop a network of leading organizations and farmer and rancher participants, as well as a durable platform to share high-quality data.

Join us at California Climate & Agriculture Summit 2024 where MTI’s own Gabe Worthington and others will share the progress being made on several projects, and discuss how to leverage these innovative partnerships.

TSC Trained Service Provider

We are excited to announce that Measure to Improve’s Senior Sustainability Program Manager Corinne Carney is officially a TSC Trained Service Provider!

Trained Service Providers are experienced sustainability expert consultants with specialized training in THESIS content, KPIs, and methodology, help suppliers answer THESIS and improve their THESIS scores year over year.

Passionate about sustainability in the fresh produce industry, Corinne has experience establishing client sustainability reporting, zero waste, and sustainable packaging programs. She is a firm believer that data serves as the underlying foundation for sustainability, and enjoys creating simple, manageable ways to help clients track, measure, improve, and report their sustainability progress and accomplishments.

Decarbonizing the Fresh Grocery Supply Chain

The fresh grocery industry is at a critical juncture, facing increased sustainability demands from retailers while working to reduce its carbon footprint, all without sacrificing margins or efficiency.

Join Cheri Chastain and Kieran Ficken McNeice from our team of experts as they share their insights and strategies in this grower-focused webinar that will provide practical tips on decarbonizing your operations.

 
 

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MTI Sustainability Team
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