WASHINGTON, DC - Building off the momentum from last month’s International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) Global Produce & Floral Show, where it was announced IFPA had been granted observer status to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the organization is pleased to share that it will join the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and other agricultural leaders for a discussion on climate-smart agriculture during the COP29 Conference on November 11-22, in Baku, Azerbaijan. IFPA will be represented by Vice President of Sustainability Tamara Muruetagoiena.

“As we heard at the Global Show, the global produce and floral community faces very significant threats from climate change and extreme weather events,” noted Muruetagoiena. “It was only a year ago where agriculture was incorporated into the UN’s climate plans, and with our newly received observer status, IFPA can engage in climate negotiations on behalf of our members.”

During the November 19 panel, Muruetagoiena will share insights into IFPA’s and its members’ efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, sequester carbon, and build resilience to climate change in produce and floral. One example of this work is the Fresh Field Catalyst technology accelerator program that connects emergent climate-smart solutions to the global fruit, vegetable, and flower community. The next round of climate-smart solution field days is slated for early December in California.

Another example of IFPA’s sustainability leadership is the recent USDA grant funding the IFPA Foundation for Fresh Produce received to accelerate the development of new packaging and labeling options, a press release shared.

“It’s important for IFPA and our industry to have a presence at these critical gatherings around sustainability,” Muruetagoiena added. “Decisions are being made in the form of regulations, policies, and industry standards, and these will have real impact on how our industry does business across the world. It is critical that we are taking part in those discussions and ensuring our industry’s unique strengths and challenges are considered.”

In addition to the upcoming COP29 panel, IFPA recently engaged in New York City’s Climate week as well as represented the industry during the 2024 Fast Company Innovation Festival with Muruetagoiena speaking on a range of issues including food waste, sustainability benchmarks, and the importance of marketing sustainability to consumers so they can make informed choices that align with their values.

“For NYC Climate Week, interestingly, the conversations were focused on two topics: regenerative agriculture and food waste. Regenerative agriculture was very popular, especially as it relates to being a climate solution,” Muruetagoiena reflected.

Through its Sustainability Council, IFPA recently defined regenerative agriculture as: “a holistic farming approach that aims to restore and enhance the natural resilience of agroecosystems while supporting the long-term health and viability of agricultural businesses and communities. The foundation of this farming system is the integrated management of soil health, biodiversity, water resources, human health, and climate.”

What’s next for the IFPA as we move into a new year? ANUK will be here to report.