OXNARD, CA - As stewardship in all its forms continues to climb the ranks in both business and consumer priorities, Mission Produce has revealed the results of its 2021 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, Finest for the Future.

“At Mission, we recognize our responsibility to treat our land, resources, and people with respect as we work toward the goal of cultivating a better future for generations to come,” said Steve Barnard, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the company. “I’m proud to share our progress over the last year as we remain committed to transparency with our stakeholders, customers, and consumers.”

The report provides an update on Mission’s ESG progress since Fiscal Year 2020, including details of actions, goals, and initiatives moving in support of the company’s people, the product it provides, and the planet.

“As a global leader in precision farming practices, Mission uses less to grow more,” Delanie Beeson, Global Science and Sustainability Manager, commented in a press release. “From field to fork, we strive to provide a high-quality product to our customers without sacrificing our commitment to sustainability. The health and safety of our people, our product, and our planet will continue to be a guiding force in the future of our business.”

Highlights specifically showcased by the company included:

Food Waste

• Mission applied shelf-life extension technology to more than 34 million pounds of avocados, beating its waste reduction goal by 55 percent

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)

• Mission sponsored what it noted was the produce industry’s first-ever DE&I initiative in partnership with the then-named Produce Marketing Association’s Center for Growing Talent

Emissions

• Mission decreased trash sent to landfills by 19 percent and increased recycling by 33 percent compared to Fiscal Year 2020

Plastic Reduction

• Mission utilized bags with finer netting and thinner film without sacrificing quality and performance, reaching more than one-third of its plastic reduction goal to decrease plastic in 50 percent of the bags packed and shipped globally by Fiscal Year 2025

Community Investment

• Mission noted it is on track to increase its charitable giving by 50 percent by the end of 2022

You can download and read Mission’s full 2021 Finest for the Future ESG Report here.

Mission’s sustainability topics for reporting were informed by the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) index framework, according to the company, providing stakeholders with standardized metrics showing a comprehensive impact of Mission’s ESG activities.

As such moves continue to model and shape sustainable practices for the fresh produce industry, AndNowUKnow will pursue and provide the latest to our readers.

Mission Produce