EFI hires Michael Lacey as BDM

Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), the workforce development and certification organisation that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, has appointed produce industry veteran Michael Lacey as business development manager.

In the role, Lacey will be responsible for engaging produce growers in EFI’s certification program and helping ensure a seamless customer experience.

Lacey brings 30 years of sales and marketing experience along with deep roots in agriculture and fresh produce to EFI.

He started his career at Marriott Hotels International, then moved to selling branded fresh produce commodities to major retail and foodservice companies, including OSI Group, Darden Restaurants and Brinker International.

Lacey then started his own sales and consulting company for several grower-shippers in the fresh produce industry.

Kevin Boyle, director of business and new product development for EFI, said, “During the past five years EFI has seen continued growth, and as the need for more comprehensive social responsibility programs increases, we receive daily inquiries from suppliers.

“Michael’s experience in the produce industry as well as his roles on both the buy and supply side make him perfectly suited to help facilitate conversations and opportunities with partners interested in beginning their EFI journey.”

Part of Lacey’s responsibilities will include facilitating outreach to industry members through trade shows and industry events, determining the scope of audit for growers seeking EFI certification and providing guidance to growers during the audit and certification processes.

EFI works with 29 grower-shipper companies on 80 farms, with 54 certifications completed and 26 more in progress.

Through the EFI program, 4,000 farmworkers and managers have been trained in problem-solving and communications practices that are improving labour, food safety and pest management standards for more than 59,000 workers.