REIDSVILLE, GA - Innovation is the golden ticket to a more sustainable future, and we in the fresh produce industry know this well. As Shuman Farms takes the Southern Innovations show floor this week, the company has all eyes on sustainability, pulling back the curtain on the innovations and strategies it has implemented.
“At this year’s Southern Innovations, our team will discuss the meaningful sustainability priorities we are currently focusing on,” began John Shuman, President and Chief Executive Officer. “We feel it is important for us to make sure we are putting forth relevant sustainability initiatives that will make a positive impact on our world. We understand how these actions affect our people, our products, our community, and the planet itself, and we are fully committed to creating full transparency in all the processes we follow to bring our products to market.”
One move the company recently made toward improving its sustainability operations was the appointment of a new leader. Broc Davis has been promoted to Sustainability and Operations Lead, which we detailed in a recent report.
The company also continues to focus on educating consumers about the important role fresh produce plays in a healthy lifestyle. The Healthy Family Project® team works every day to inspire and support families with resources centered around nutrition, physical activity, and mental health.
“We know how important sustainability is to consumers. According to TrendWatching’s Business of People research, 70 percent of United States consumers want to know what organizations are doing to address social and environmental issues,” John continued. “Of those surveyed from Generation Z, 72 percent indicated they research what brands are doing to make an impact before making a purchase decision.”
As John told me, introducing the next generation of shoppers to produce is sustainable in and of itself. And, we cannot address sustainability without looking at the crisis of hunger. As farmers and food producers, John believes it is the grower’s responsibility to help in any way they can to tackle food insecurity.
“Shuman Farms’ Healthy Family Project is celebrating 20 years of giving back to families in need,” John added. “Through both of our organizations’ combined charitable efforts, they have raised more than $7.5 million and donated more than 16 million meals to Feeding America®.”
To see Shuman’s complete sustainability pledge, click here. And, for all of this and much more, stop by the Shuman booth at Southern innovations, #600.
