DUBLIN, IRELAND - In a proactive move toward global compliance, Fyffes unveiled its third annual Human Rights Report, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to human rights and environmental due diligence. This comprehensive report positions the company as 'future ready' for upcoming global legislation, including the German Supply Chain Act and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.

"Our aim with human rights and environmental due diligence is to be 'future-ready.' We continually improve our approach, and last year we learned a few key lessons," stated Caoimhe Buckley, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.

These lessons were outlined as follows:

• Stakeholder Centricity: Gathering insights from workers, community members, and rightsholders through independent surveys and offsite interviews
• Supporting Suppliers: Maintaining commercial relationships with suppliers in difficulty, except in the most extreme cases, to safeguard workers’ rights
• Rising Costs: Shared responsibility across the value chain, as outlined in CSDDD, to support suppliers as they face increasing costs associated with human rights and environmental mitigation

In response to new and upcoming legislation, such as the German Supply Chain Act, effective since January 1, 2023; and the forthcoming EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, Fyffes intensified its compliance efforts.

According to a press release, the report builds on Fyffes' significant progress since initiating its Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) in 2019. This established a solid foundation for the company's ongoing efforts in this area, aligning with the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights.

Fyffes expanded its due diligence efforts by conducting subsequent HRIAs at its farms and with suppliers. These assessments were complemented by extensive community needs assessments in Latin America, involving 2,200 interviews across 50 communities.

The company's commitment to meeting these legislative requirements is central to its vision of 'Shaping Wellbeing for the World.' Please refer to the full press release here for more information.

To see how this initiative continues to evolve, stay tuned on AndNowUKnow.

CHICAGO, IL - Your technology should stay as fresh as your produce. This message from RSM echoes loud and clear in the wake of industry challenges and changes, further amplified by the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association’s 2024 Global Produce & Floral Show. Slated for October 17–19, 2024, industry leaders from across the buy-side and supply chain will gather in Atlanta, Georgia, to collaborate and seek solutions for today’s most pressing issues and topics.

“At the Global Produce & Floral Show 2024, we’re excited to highlight our dedication to innovation and sustainability,” Kevin Head, Director, RSM Food and Beverage Industry Leader, shares with me. “This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders and explore how we can collectively drive positive change in the food and beverage sector with RSM’s Microsoft technologies and solutions.”

Attendees can visit RSM’s food and beverage leaders at booth C1421 at the Georgia World Congress Center to learn more about the exciting program driving efficiency and productivity for today’s produce companies.

In addition, Kevin will be moderating a “Food Safety & Tech X-Change Session” at the Innovation Hub on Friday, October 18, at noon EDT.

RSM team members will focus on the following areas during the IFPA event:

• Comprehensive produce ERP solution
• Global end-to-end supply chain
• Grower accounting
• Planting and harvest management
• Advanced trade promotion management
• Quality assurance
• Food safety and traceability
• Sustainability and corporate responsibility

In addition to showcasing its groundbreaking technologies, guests can visit the RSM team at the IFPA-hosted Welcome Reception at the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, October 17, at 6 p.m. and at the Science, Technology, Food Safety, and Sustainability Reception on Friday, October 18, in the Georgia World Congress Center Georgia Ballroom, Building C, Level 3, from 5:15 to 6:45 p.m. EDT. RSM is excited to sponsor this year’s community reception.

Is booth C1421 marked on your IFPA GFPS attendee list yet? I imagine, after reading this story, it will be!

MISSION, TX - The Texas International Produce Association (TIPA) recently extended an invitation for participants to join the Sixth Annual Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge, kicking off in mid-October and culminating at the 2024 Viva Fresh Expo in Houston on April 11.

"Achieving your goals becomes much easier when you have a community supporting you and holding you accountable, and that’s what brings me back as a mentor year after year," said Beth Keeton, Owner and President, Elephant House PR. "Beyond the outstanding program components, what I’ve found most valuable as both a participant and mentor is knowing that when life happens, there’s a supportive community to lean on for advice, encouragement, and resources."

Last year, 13 participants completed the fifth annual challenge, showcasing the produce industry's commitment to incorporating more fruits and vegetables into daily routines.

Since its inception in 2020, the Clean Eating Challenge has garnered significant attention, with participants collectively losing over 1,100 pounds in five years. According to a press release, this initiative emphasizes personal wellness, encouraging long-term lifestyle changes rather than merely weight loss.

"Year after year, we’ve inspired industry members to show up and make one or more changes in their lives. Some seek weight loss, some seek better health, some seek six months of healthier decisions and encouragement from their peers," shared Jen Velasquez, Clean Eating Challenge Committee Chair and Director of Marketing, FullTilt Marketing. "Whatever your motivation is, the Clean Eating Challenge is ready for you!"

Those interested in participating must be members of the produce industry, express their motivation for joining, and commit to sharing their progress online. They will also receive mentorship and nutrition coaching, with a chance to win a Peloton Bike at the expo. Since limited spots are available, potential participants are encouraged to apply by October 5.

Stay in touch with the latest in eating clean by continuing to read AndNowUKnow.

WOODLAND, CA - A tenured leader is taking the next step in her career. It was announced that Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, who has been the Executive Director of the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) for 16 years, will begin a new chapter in mid-2025.

“The CPS mission is to fund research, find solutions, and fuel change in fresh produce food safety,” said Fernandez-Fenaroli. “For me, the underlying strength that makes that possible is the world-class group of volunteers who have offered their time and expertise to make CPS the success it is today. I will miss working with these amazing people. They are the reason I know CPS will continue to advance its all-important work.”

Fernandez-Fenaroli sees the next five years as particularly exciting for CPS, according to a press release.

“I look forward to seeing how the board, the Technical Committee, and the new Executive Director accelerate the work of CPS,” she said. "I’m not much for looking in the rearview mirror, but when I do look back at how much CPS has accomplished since 2008, I’m beyond confident that the future will bring more ground-breaking research and practical solutions that will fuel the change needed to enhance produce safety even further.”

CPS Board Chair Joe Pezzini, Senior Director of Agricultural Operations at Taylor Farms, said details about the search for a new Executive Director will be forthcoming, but for now, he wants to honor and thank Fernandez-Fenaroli.

“Over the next several months, we will take time to recognize her many contributions to this organization and the industry. Bonnie has been the backbone of CPS for nearly two decades,” Pezzini said. “All of the rest of us have our day jobs while we’re volunteering with CPS, but her sole focus has been on this vital work to enhance produce safety. The enabling factor in the growth of CPS has been Bonnie’s incredible respect that she has built over the past 16 years for the produce industry,” he added. “Her most powerful skills are her diplomacy and connecting the right folks to each other at the right time to accomplish big tasks.”

We wish the best of luck to this industry vet as she takes her next steps!