Equitable Food Initiative, GoodFarms Named Finalists in Viva Fresh Gateway to Innovation Showcase
SAN DIEGO, CA - Equitable Food Initiative (EFI) adopted by GoodFarms, the Andrew Williamson Fresh Produce brand, created a certification program that helps farms produce safer food, reduce the use of pesticides, and create better and healthier places to work.
Now, both organizations are being recognized on April 27, 2019, for the joint creation of EFI Continuous Improvement Teams on GoodFarms’ operations in Mexico and the United States and will be included in the upcoming Gateway to Innovation showcase at the Viva Fresh Expo.
“It’s exciting to be recognized at Viva Fresh, especially since this award program celebrates a much broader range of innovations from field to shelf,” stated LeAnne Ruzzamenti, Director of Marketing and Communications for EFI. “The EFI Continuous Improvement Teams model provides a holistic way to address some of the industry’s biggest issues with labor conditions, food safety, and labor shortages. There is no other solution provided to the produce industry that brings together compliance, assurance and business performance.”
According to the company’s press release, a panel of judges comprised of retail, foodservice, and produce industry veterans chose the Gateway to Innovation finalists from a large number of entries based on a strict set of criteria regarding the timing and nature of the innovation and its contribution to the Tex-Mex region.
“The path of innovation is not easy, but the rewards are well worth the investment,” remarked Ernie Farley, Partner with Andrew Williamson and Board Member for EFI. “From our earliest introduction of the program, we recognized the value of the leadership training and certification program that has resulted in a higher quality product, a better working environment for our farm workers and a more transparent relationship with our retail partners.”
10 of GoodFarms’ growing operations in Mexico and California have been third-party certified by EFI to date.
On April 27, the finalists will be displayed before and during the expo. All expo attendees will be encouraged to vote live from the show floor via mobile device for their favorite innovation to receive the Best of Show Award, along with the second and third runners-up. During the expo, the award winners will be announced.
For more updates on EFI’s innovation and the Viva Fresh Expo, keep tuning into AndNowUKnow.
