SALINAS, CA - An exciting collaboration has occurred within our industry as Measure to Improve announced a partnership with SQFI on a new SQF Sustainability Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Addendum for Pollinator Protection that can be used alongside the SQF Food Safety Code: Primary Plant Production for certification.
“Measure to Improve is dedicated to advancing sustainable agriculture, and that often comes out of collaborative efforts,” remarked Nikki Cossio, Founder and Chief Executive Officer. “This partnership with SQFI is a perfect example of two organizations using their strengths to create something that benefits and keeps the industry proactive on an emerging demand.”
According to a press release, this collaboration demonstrates Measure to Improve's and SQFI's leadership in finding collaborative solutions to promote sustainable agriculture, protect essential pollinators, and help growers incorporate emerging IPM demands with existing food safety structures with which they are already familiar.
Key highlights of the SQF Sustainability Integrated Pest Management Addendum for Pollinator Protection Addendum include:
- Benchmarked by the IPM Institute and recognized by major retailers like Walmart, which mandates that its fresh produce suppliers adopt IPM practices by 2025
- Supports a system that utilizes various pest control methods, including biological, physical, and chemical controls, prioritizing those with the least adverse impact
- Promotes deep knowledge of farm agroecosystem functions to ensure precise application of control methods
- Encourages the use of consultants and experts to enhance IPM program efficacy
- Approved by Walmart - Walmart requires produced suppliers to implement certain sustainability initiatives, including integrated pest management (IPM) for the protection of pollinators and the critical role they play in a sustainable food system
MTI has been a critical leader in providing technical expertise to SQFI to develop the IPM Sustainability Addendum.
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