FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Following its recent efforts to aid communities impacted by hurricanes and empower the female workforce, it’s no surprise that Chiquita is once again reaching out a helping hand—this time to Mother Nature. Earlier this year, the supplier debuted its “30BY30” sustainability program, which has recently been approved by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi).
“Chiquita is thrilled that its ‘30BY30’ Carbon Reduction Program has been verified by SBTi,” said Jamie Postell, Vice President of Sales for Chiquita North America. “We’ve been farming in Central America for over 120 years and have witnessed the effects of climate change first-hand. Global warming brings increased rainfall, hurricanes, and flooding, which negatively impact the livelihoods of our employees, their families, and the communities where they live, as well as inhibits consistent product availability for our customers and consumers. We hope that by working with SBTi, we can continue to lead the way toward a more sustainable future in the produce industry.”
Announced earlier this year, Chiquita’s “30BY30” sustainability program aims to reduce carbon emissions across the company’s operations by 30 percent by the end of 2030. Chiquita commissioned a Carbon Footprint Study to identify key areas of focus for carbon emission reduction, according to a press release, and the results of the study then guided the creation of the “30BY30” Carbon Reduction Program, a detailed roadmap of clear objectives to reduce energy consumption over the next 10 years.
To make these strides in sustainability, the company will be moving to greener electricity using solar panels and wind turbines, replacing diesel use by switching to biofuels or electric vehicles, and reducing nitrogen emissions from fertilizers, in addition to working closely with its supply-side partners to help them develop their own Science Based plans by 2025.
As Chiquita pushes toward its goal, SBTi will track its progress to ensure that advancements and areas of improvement are monitored and addressed accordingly, the press release noted.
To read more about Chiquita’s “30BY30” sustainability program, click here.
To stay up to date on the latest sustainability efforts in the fresh produce industry, keep an eye out for ANUK.
