NEWARK, DE & WASHINGTON, DC - With many in fresh produce looking toward industry associations like the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) for guidance, leading by example is of the essence. The association has created a new role within its ranks with a focus on sustainability, naming Tamara Muruetagoiena as its Director of Sustainability.

“Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to bringing forward and communicating sustainable practices that support our global environment and make our industry thrive,” said Muruetagoiena. “I’m looking forward to working with our members and industry to create meaningful strategies to advance sustainability in produce and floral across the world.”

Muruetagoiena’s appointment went into effect this month, and her new role will focus on IFPA initiatives including the Sustainability Research Center, member toolkit for communication best practices, and assessment tool. She will also serve as the subject-matter expert on sustainability and effective practices, a press release noted.

“IFPA recognizes sustainability as the social, economic, and environmental opportunities and actions that promote the longevity of our planet and the financial viability of our industry,” said Ed Treacy, Vice President of Supply Chain and Sustainability. “This role is vital to creating, capturing, and sharing the practices we are developing as an industry, and I’m thrilled that Tamara, with her impressive background and passionate approach to sustainability, is now on board to support our members and our industry.”

The new Director brings over two decades of experience in agriculture with an environmental focus. Most recently, she served as the Executive Director of Great Mountain Forest, where she promoted conservation and sustainable forestry and was responsible for the carbon investment program. She has also served as Senior Global Manager in sustainability and R&D at Driscoll’s, where she focused organizational strategies including sustainable packaging and plastic use, communications, and strategic guidance for the research and development department and relevant work teams.

Muruetagoiena also worked for the European Union as a Policy Advisor and as an Environmental Science Researcher at Yale University. She holds a Master of Forest Science from Yale, an MBA and International Marketing Diploma from the University of California at Berkeley and ESEUNE Business School, and a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University. She is fluent in English, French, and Spanish with additional knowledge of Basque and Portuguese.

Congratulations to Tamara Muruetagoiena on this new role!

International Fresh Produce Association