WASHINGTON, DC - Sustainability took center stage at the recent Global Produce & Floral Show, where industry leaders made groundbreaking moves to address climate challenges. The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) led the charge with two significant achievements: approving a formal definition of regenerative agriculture and securing observer status at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.
"Prior to the show, IFPA and the CGF [Consumer Goods Forum] hosted a forum to discuss [the] alignment of global sustainability standards, where we were joined by retailers, growers, and everyone in between. In the summer, the Forum released environmental benchmarks, and the Global Show presented a perfect opportunity to bring stakeholders together. Later that day, the IFPA Sustainability Council approved our definition of regenerative agriculture to provide clarity and direction to our global community," said Tamara Muruetagoiena Vice President of Sustainability.
The Sustainability Council approved the following definition: "a holistic farming approach that aims to restore and enhance the natural resilience of agroecosystems while supporting the long-term health and viability of agricultural businesses and communities."
Muruetagoiena went on to note her passion for this element of our industry.
"I am immensely proud of the work of the working group that brought this definition forward, after many discussions, expert presentations, and analysis of global definitions. Now that the definition has been approved, we will continue to define outcomes of this type of agriculture," she noted.
The organization's Chief Executive Officer, Cathy Burns, announced IFPA's new observer status with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change during the annual State of the Industry keynote. She emphasized the urgent need to address climate change in the produce and floral sectors.
IFPA research has identified climate inaction and extreme weather as top global threats. To combat these challenges, the association focused its fourth IFPA Fresh Field Catalyst Technology Accelerator on climate-smart solutions for fresh produce and floral.
In early December, IFPA will conduct climate-smart field trials in California as part of its USDA-funded "A Vibrant Future" program, which encourages specialty crop growers to adopt climate-smart practices.
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