MILLEN, GA - Beginning this fall, the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) will roll out a series of sustainability-focused educational offerings, continuing through 2026. The aim is to provide organizations with the resources and insights they need to implement sustainability initiatives in ways that best align with their own priorities and capacity. Feedback obtained during SEPC’s webinar earlier in 2025, Sustainability Essentials, led by Measure to Improve, served as the foundation for creating SEPC’s programming, based on sustainability topics members identified as being most relevant to their businesses.

“We’re excited to introduce this comprehensive sustainability education series,” said John Barnette, Senior Director of Produce & Floral Category Management at Southeastern Grocers and Co-Chair of SEPC’s newly formed Sustainability Committee, along with Co-Chair Adam Brady, Director of Marketing for Shuman Farms. “By focusing on practical, applicable knowledge and tools, we aim to equip our members - and the broader industry - with the insights they need to drive meaningful progress, both environmentally and economically.”

A webinar on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) will be held on Wednesday, August 27, in preparation for upcoming retailer policies requiring third-party IPM certification for suppliers. These new requirements are set to take effect at the end of 2025. The IPM Institute will provide an overview of Integrated Pest Management practices, highlight certification options that meet the new standards, and offer insight into the rationale behind these changes, both from a national and global perspective. Additionally, two SEPC member companies will share how they’ve implemented IPM practices and the impact it has had on their operations.

A sustainability panel, “Why Sustainability is Good for Business,” will also be held during Southern Innovations, SEPC’s innovation-driven tradeshow and conference, on September 11th. The goal of the session is to share real-world examples of how sustainability can drive business value, with representation from across the supply chain — including retail, packaging, waste, and grower/shipper.

Later in the fall, a Sustainable Packaging webinar will take place on Tuesday, October 28th, providing practical tools and guidance on a topic that remains a top priority for many fresh produce companies. The educational series continues in 2026 with in-person and virtual offerings on topics including food loss and waste reduction, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon reduction, and regenerative agriculture.

“The meaning of sustainability has evolved significantly in recent years across our industry. While global reporting frameworks continue to shift, the practical impact of sustainability remains very real for our members - and it continues to be a priority for many retailers,” said David Sherrod, SEPC President and CEO, in the recent press release. “That’s why we’re proud to launch this education series at a time when companies are seeking relevant, actionable tools and information to support their sustainability efforts in meaningful ways.”