Global sustainability framework moves forward
Global sustainability framework moves forward
On the heels of connecting with its members and fresh produce and floral leaders at both the Consumer Goods Forum Sustainable Retail Summit in Paris, France, and Fruit Logistica in Berlin, Germany, the International Fresh Produce Association has advanced the proposed global sustainability framework the organization introduced last fall across these influential forums.
During the Consumer Goods Forum Sustainable Retail Summit, IFPA Vice President of Sustainability Tamara Muruetagoiena discussed the Forum’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative’s (SSCI) impact on flower production via harmonized standards.
“The global floriculture sector connects millions — producers, workers and consumers alike; however, ensuring ethical practices across these complex, cross-border supply chains remain a significant challenge,” she noted. “The standards recognized by the SSCI now cover nearly 80 percent of the global flower trade on social compliance. By benchmarking these standards, the SSCI drives transparency, reduces audit fatigue and builds necessary trust in social and environmental certifications worldwide.”
Muruetagoiena was also elected co-chair of SSCI during the Retail Summit, a reflection of her contributions and leadership of the SSCI’s working group tasked with developing environmental sustainability benchmarks for produce and floral products just three years ago.
“I am deeply honored to co-chair the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative and represent and elevate the profile and voice of produce and floral at an even higher strategic level. I look forward to closer collaboration with my colleagues across the industry and at the forum as we address food system sustainability challenges and opportunities,” she said.
The global sustainability framework stakeholder meeting held at Fruit Logistica marked the first critical milestone in the framework’s timeline, with phase one focused on alignment and finalization of definitions, guidance, metrics and other tools for the growing community. Alignment and finalization of phase two, which focuses on the broader supply chain, is expected in July. The framework will be presented for approval and industry implementation during the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show in Orlando, FL, in October.
Built around five core pillars, the framework provides a practical path forward for businesses to measure progress, share best practices and accelerate impact – including in Europe, where climate and food system priorities are front and center. The framework directly supports IFPA’s strategic pillars of both growing the organization’s worldwide influence and future proofing the industry by building resiliency and capacity.
“Thanks to the leadership of our Sustainability Council and the investment of our stakeholders and partners, the framework is moving from commitment to action. Sustainability has long been part of how the fresh produce and floral sector operates, but this framework helps bring greater structure, consistency and shared direction to the work already underway across the supply chain,” Muruetagoiena said.
