International Fresh Produce Association Advocates for Produce and Floral Industry Innovation; Tamara Muruetagoiena Comments
NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - In one of the International Fresh Produce Association’s (IFPA) latest initiatives, the organization put its members in the spotlight for their efforts to improve sustainability. At the Agriculture Innovation Mission (AIM) for Climate Summit held May 8–10, IFPA spotlighted some of the latest innovations championed by the industry.
“Part of our global sustainability strategy includes IFPA participating in these important food systems conversations, including the United Nations Conference of Paris (COP) 28. AIM for Climate is a prominent forum prior to COP28 later this year and gave us a platform to share with international heads of state and ministerial bodies the important work our members and industry are doing on carbon emissions and other sustainability issues,” said Director of Sustainability Tamara Muruetagoiena.
The summit is a joint initiative by the United States and the United Arab Emirates that seeks to address climate change and global hunger. In addition, AIM for Climate recognizes that diversity, gender equity, and inclusion are critical to the success of its mission and seeks to draw on participants’ diverse knowledge, experiences, and cultures.
According to a press release, Muruetagoiena observed three themes from the summit:
- Climate-smart agriculture innovation, which aligns with current IFPA initiatives such as the second cohort of the Fresh Fields Catalyst Accelerator program, which is focused on delivering climate-smart solutions to the industry’s biggest challenges
- Soil health. Here, reducing tillage, managing nutrients, and utilization of cover crops were cited as the pillars of soil health, along with managing nitrous oxide levels
- Achieving gender leadership equality among agricultural businesses and growing the base of female farmers worldwide. IFPA is addressing this through its inclusion, diversity, equity, and access program portfolio
IFPA sustainability resources also include the Fresh Produce Research Center. This is in addition to ongoing IFPA consumer research on sustainability, numerous resources in packaging, regenerative agriculture, an ethical charter focused on responsible labor practices, and more.
As we continue to watch sustainability initiatives blossom, ANUK will keep you informed.
