Fresh produce industry leaders from the United States and Mexico met Feb. 11 in Mexico City to formalize the International Fruit & Vegetable Alliance for Social Responsibility, also known by its Spanish acronym AHIFORES. As a demonstration of support for the new organization, Mexico’s Secretary of Agriculture Enrique Martinez y Martinez hosted the members of the alliance and appointed Under Secretary of Agriculture Jesus Aguilar as his liaison with the organization.

According to a Feb. 13 AHIFORES press release, its mission is to enhance the visibility of Mexico’s fresh produce industry’s long-term commitment to the integral development of farm workers as well as to actively promote industry-wide awareness and consistency in the implementation of socially responsible business practices.

Members include fresh produce associations and their key volunteer leaders from both the United States and Mexico who met and agreed on Nov. 14, 2014 to create AHIFORES.

The association's members represent 90 percent of Mexico’s fresh fruit and vegetable export volume, including top exports such as asparagus, avocados, berries, citrus, grapes, mangos, papayas and tomatoes, among others. The organization represents one of the first times such a broad array of associations and industry leaders have joined together to work on a common goal. Outside private and public sector experts will be invited to contribute as AHIFORES moves forward in executing its objectives.

“I was honored to be part of the groundbreaking meeting which included leading innovators in Mexico’s fresh produce industry," Alan Aguirre, president of Grupo Alta and interim chairman of AHIFORES, said in a press release. "Based on our collective experience and dedication to the responsible treatment of our valued employees, I am confident AHIFORES will play a significant role in inspiring, educating and advancing socially responsible business practices on Mexico’s farms."

The work of the AHIFORES reflects both the Mexican and U.S. members understanding that social responsibility is a process that requires continuous improvement and a long-term commitment. The strength of the organization lies in its extensive network of fresh produce growers across Mexico and experts in the field of social responsibility. That network will be invaluable in disseminating the best practices, educational programming and the information resources AHIFORES plans to offer.

“For years, leading Mexican growers have set new standards in social responsibility," Mario Robles, director of CAADES vegetable division and industry spokesperson for AHIFORES, said in the release. "Yet few have told the story of that commitment. It’s time that we share with consumers around the world the Mexican industry’s history of responsible treatment of their workers.  We are proud to be part of AHIFORES and look forward to contributing to the fulfillment of its mission."

AHIFORES’ U.S. spokesman is Martin Ley, president of Fresh Evolution LLC, based in Nogales.