WATSONVILLE, CA - Costco will now be stocking Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce's (A&W) GoodFarms brand of berries, which have just been certified by non-profit organization, Equitable Food Initiative (EFI). EFI certifies products that comply with its standards for improved working conditions, pest management, and food safety in the effort to produce safer, more responsibly grown fruits and vegetables.  

GoodFarms™ will debut its craft blueberries, craft strawberries, and organic strawberries from EFI-certified farms at Costco locations on the West Coast, Northeast, and in Hawaii. According to a press release, GoodFarms™ believes in using sustainable growing practices, farmworker empowerment and affordable access to fresh, healthy food.

“When workers participate in EFI’s leadership team training, they better understand their role in the value chain and become more engaged,” shared Ernie Farley, Partner at A&W GoodFarms, adding that EFI’s workforce development has been integral to the successful certification of the farms. “That engagement benefits all of us – from the grower to the farmworker, all the way to the consumer.”

GoodFarms™ and Costco’s product availability is now as follows:

• Craft blueberries from an EFI-certified farm in Oxnard, California, will be stocked by Hawaiian Costco locations
• Craft strawberries and organic strawberries from EFI-certified farms in Watsonville, California will be in California, Arizona, Oregon, some of the Hawaiian Islands, and the Northeastern United States Costco locations

The company says that it already has plans to increase this distribution even further.

"Andrew & Williamson was a real pioneer in the development of the Equitable Food Initiative. We're excited to see their commitment to their workers and to consumers reflected in their GoodFarms™ brand," added Peter O'Driscoll, EFI’s Executive Director. "This effort to educate consumers should increase demand for produce that is responsibly grown and farmworker assured. More retail sales generate a premium so that growers can reward workers for their hard work. Together, EFI and GoodFarms™ create value for workers, growers, retailers and consumers alike." 

Those who want to learn more about EFI certification can visit http://www.equitablefood.org/, and be sure to check back with AndNowUKnow for even more coverage on responsible growing practices.

Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce GoodFarms™ Equitable Food Initiative