International Fresh Produce Association Launches DEI Toolkit; Laura Himes and Doug Bohr Comment


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Mon. December 18th, 2023 - by Melissa De Leon Chavez

WASHINGTON, DC & DEWARK, DE - Looking for ways to boost talent recruitment and retention? What about ideation and innovation or business performance? If you answered yes to any, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has you covered with the release of its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Toolkit.

Laura Himes, Vice President of Sourcing–Fresh, Walmart“Whether you are just getting started or seeking to enhance your diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, IFPA's DEI Toolkit is an essential resource for any member company seeking to attract and retain today’s top talent by creating an inclusive culture and sense of belonging among all its people,” said Walmart’s Vice President of Sourcing–Fresh and Chair of IFPA’s DEI Committee Laura Himes. “There is something for everyone here: the Toolkit features brief, user-friendly videos and downloadable ‘how-to’ guides to help leaders prepare themselves and their companies for this important work, provides HR professionals and managers with educational materials and an online certificate course for staff training, and offers guidance to set measurable goals that drive team and company performance.”

The DEI toolkit is a resource developed by IFPA, with volunteer member input and guidance from its DEI Committee and support from global organizational consulting firm, Korn Ferry, a release stated.

The International Fresh Produce Association has announced the release of its Diversity Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Toolkit

This toolkit is organized into three parts to help members gain a better understanding of DEI and why it matters to their organizations. It also helps management and HR leaders prepare for the journey and access free resources to train and educate staff on essential DEI practices.

Management and HR professionals can access a variety of how-to tools and educational resources, including the online, on-demand certificate course, to build or augment their own staff training and development efforts.

IFPA will continue to add new tools to the DEI Toolkit as IFPA and its members continue to advance efforts to attract and develop the next generation of talent.

Doug Bohr, Chief Education and Programs Officer, International Fresh Produce Association“IFPA seeks to create a vibrant future for all—our member companies, our people, and our consumers,” said Doug Bohr, IFPA Chief Education and Programs Officer. “Our industry’s products can change the trajectory of human health, but not without the contributions of the diverse, talented teams of people at every step along the supply chain. Investment in DEI brings out the best in all of us and is a proven driver of business performance and innovation that our industry needs to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.”

For more of the latest industry tools, keep reading ANUK.

International Fresh Produce Association