PORTERVILLE, CA - With National Farmworker Awareness Week upon us, Homegrown Organic Farms is shining a spotlight on one crucial aspect of its operations. The supplier’s Northwest organic blueberry farms in Oregon recently received Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) certification, joining Homegrown’s stonefruit program.

“We are proud to add blueberries to the growing list of our EFI certified programs,” Scott Mabs, Chief Executive Officer of Homegrown Organic Farms, said. “Our team members from the field to shipment are professionals in their jobs, and EFI brings the system to help facilitate cross-department collaboration and personal development. Homegrown has always been proactive with the development and value of our team members, and EFI is a wonderful support to that mission.”

As a newly formed ESOP, Homegrown has partnered with its sister company to achieve and roll out this new certification, which helps develop partnerships between the farmworking employees and farm management teams.

According to a press release, the ultimate goals of the certification are to improve overall working conditions, cultivate confidence and teamwork between farmworkers and management, and build a culture of commitment and collaboration.

“It is fitting that we would receive notice of Homegrown’s Oregon operations earning EFI certification during Farmworker Awareness Week,” Kevin Boyle, Director, New Product and Business Development for EFI, commented. “Their commitment to EFI is but one effort that the company has put forth to live out its values, engage workers in new ways, and provide a fulfilling and professional workplace.”

Congratulations to Homegrown Organic Farms on this exciting achievement!

Homegrown Organic Farms Equitable Food Initiative