WENATCHEE, WA - All we can do as humans is try to show up as our best selves every day. CMI Orchards is working to do just this, aiming to fortify its operations and support the people who make up its organization. As such, the grower recently achieved its first certification from Equitable Food Initiative (EFI).
"CMI is an organization that has always been committed to responsible sourcing—social responsibility isn't just a trend, it's the right thing to do and something we have been focused on for many years," said Bob Mast, President of CMI Orchards. "Our philosophy has been to do the right thing, even when no one's looking, and so it makes sense to partner with EFI to officially certify that philosophy and the good work going on in all areas of our operation."
As of recent weeks, over half of CMI’s marketed acreage of apples, cherries, and pears is EFI certified. The certification is of McDougall & Sons, a growing partner and owner of CMI Orchards. CMI's top-selling Daisy Girl Organics® brand and its extensive selection of licensed branded apples in the United States are all now certified under EFI.
A press release explained that CMI is committed to further expanding the program by training more EFI leadership teams and moving toward certification of additional acreage and operations.
"EFI certification was an opportunity to validate many of our existing efforts and to find ways to improve our operations with the best interests of our farmworkers in mind," Bryon McDougall, Co-Owner of CMI and McDougall & Sons, remarked. "We always strive to do the right thing by our people because they are the lifeline to our entire operation."
Under the EFI certification, CMI Orchards will:
- Develop cross-functional leadership teams that train workers in soft skills
- Foster a culture for safer and more secure work environments
- Build better lines of positive communication and problem solving across departments
- Empower the workforce to be an active participant in decision-making and strategic planning
- Commit to systems rooted in continuous improvement for both compliance and performance
- Meet the industry's most rigorous standards in the areas of labor practices, food safety, and integrated pest management
"Operations like CMI Orchards and McDougall & Sons help raise the bar on social responsibility for the entire fresh produce industry,” Peter O'Driscoll, Executive Director of EFI, noted. “They showcase what true commitment to social responsibility looks like and embody the very best ideals of continuous improvement and transparency in the supply chain."
Congratulations to CMI Orchards on this impressive certification!
