Fresh Picks & Sustainability Tips: September 2024
In recent years sustainability has evolved from an unfamiliar term to a critical component and cost of doing business.
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.
To me, this isn’t just another checkbox—it’s an opportunity to align with your biggest customers, showing them that you’re serious about meeting their sustainability goals.
Waiting too long to act could mean missing out on opportunities, losing customers, and eventually scrambling to catch up. I’ve seen businesses struggle when they wait until regulations are passed.
Taking a proactive approach, however, gives you the power to help shape what sustainability looks like for the industry rather than simply reacting to regulations that may be too rigid or costly down the line.
While it may seem daunting, I started Measure to Improve because I know firsthand how overwhelming this journey can be—and I wanted to make sustainability more approachable for the produce industry.
Our team of experts can provide the tools, strategies, and guidance to turn your sustainability goals into reality, ensuring you stay ahead of industry demands and regulations.
Taking that first step towards sustainability may feel like a leap of faith, but waiting is no longer an option. Start today and position yourself as a leader in your industry.
Warmest Regards,
Nikki Cossio - Founder & CEO - Measure to Improve
The Benefits of Pollinator Protection
Did you know that implementing a robust pollinator program can bring significant benefits to your farm and the environment?
Kyle Cosgrove, our Director of Director of Agronomic Services/PCA, recently spoke about this topic on the webinar “Pollinator Protection: Enhancing Farm Sustainability and Productivity” hosted by GLOBALG.A.P. North America.
Watch the replay to learn how implementing a robust pollinator program not only meets retailers’ requirements but also brings significant benefits to your farm and the environment.
The Crucial Role of Collaboration in Advancing Sustainability
There are numerous fresh produce associations with missions to serve the industry, and each brings value to the members they serve. However, there is one crop association that we’d like to commend for their coordinated and functional sustainability assessment - the Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA).
The Potato Sustainability Alliance (PSA) works at the intersection of growers, processors, and buyers to define, measure, and advance sustainability for the entire potato value chain. In alignment with MTI’s approach to sustainability, the PSA uses robust metrics to drive improvements in productivity and profitability.
While cropping systems across fresh produce crops vary, and sustainability impacts change by geography and crop, the PSA presents a foundational approach to sustainability assessment that other associations can use as a framework to guide coordinated, collaborative, and meaningful sustainability change.
The Importance of H-2A Workers
Many farms rely on H-2A workers to meet the demands of their farms, including help with planting, cultivating, and harvesting.
The H-2A temporary agricultural workers program – often called the H-2A visa program - helps American farmers fill employment gaps by hiring workers from other countries.
We loved this video shared by Owyhee Produce about the importance of and their gratitude for H-2A workers.
Upcoming Events
9/12 - 9/14: Southeastern Produce Council Southern Innovations
10/17 - 10/19: IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show
10/29 - 10/30: CalCAN California Climate & Agriculture Summit
11/12 - 11/13: Sustainable Packaging Summit
12/4 - 12/5: Organic Growers Summit