Spring Policy Summit 2021 kicks off monthly webinar series
The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) held its annual Spring Policy Summit on April 21st -23rd. The selection of panelists covered some of the most important topics for the fresh produce industry including the current relationship between the U.S. and Mexico, sustainability trends in fresh produce and the latest on improving barriers to trade.
Day 1 of the summit featured Kenneth Smith, former lead NAFTA negotiator for Mexico and current partner with AGON. Smith focused on discussing changes in Mexican policy and collaborations between the U.S. and Mexico that could positively impact the fresh produce industry. This session also featured Britton Mullen, president of the Border Trade Alliance and principle with Clarke Consulting. Mullen focused her presentation on the USMCA and the transition from the last Administration to the current Administration and what the produce industry could expect moving forward.
Fair Trade USA Reveals Greater Shifts Toward Transparent and Ethical Sourcing in First Quarter
Commitment to fair trade sourcing gains traction in retail, packaged goods, and sustainable seafood
Published 04-28-21
Submitted by Fair Trade USA
OAKLAND, Calif., April 28, 2021 /CSRwire/ – Today, Fair Trade USA® – the leading certifier of fair trade products in North America – released its round-up of new commitments and product launches in the first quarter. As the pressing need for more social and environmental justice continues to surface during COVID-19, brands and retailers are stepping up and implementing initiatives, like fair trade, that support supply chain equity and sustainability. By making commitments to fair trade and launching new products, brands and retailers make Fair Trade Certified goods more widely available, meaning farmers, workers, and fishers receive the support they need to overcome adversity and create more sustainable livelihoods.
New line of sustainable packaging for Fair Trade organic grower
Wholesum, Fair Trade certified growers and shippers of organic produce, launched a new sustainable packaging line of vegetables that will hit retail shelves this month. The new line will carry Wholesum’s staple, year-round items including organic slicer cucumbers, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers and tomatoes on the vine.
The new packaging consists of a recyclable and biodegradable corrugated formed tray as well as a biodegradable band. Each tray is custom made to fit two counts of each vegetable and one pound of tomatoes on the vine. Moisture-resistant and sturdy, the trays ensure breathability, visibility and food safety from farm to shelf.
Organic grower unveils newly renovated greenhouses in Mexico
Wholesum, Fairtrade-certified grower and shipper of organic produce, inaugurated its newly renovated tomato greenhouses at Wholesum Farms Pacific. A ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday, December 9th in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico. The event consisted of a virtual live stream on the company’s Facebook page as well as an in-person event with attendance from local vendors and stakeholders.
Theojary Crisantes, COO (left) and Jonathan Alcaron cut the ribbon on the new facility in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico.
This expansion represents a new chapter at Wholesum as the company prepares for growth. The new 37-acre greenhouse infrastructure maximizes the use of natural resources for sustainable agriculture and is equipped for intense tomato production. With climate control, irrigation and filtration systems, the greenhouse will create optimal growing conditions for the tomatoes, says Wholesum.