Equitable Food Initiative celebrates another year of progess

Equitable Food Initiative (EFI), the US workforce development and certification organisation that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, has concluded another year marked by advancements in ethical labour practices, collaboration and workforce development across the produce supply chain.

EFI highlighted the rapid growth of the Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP), which launched in November 2023. More than 260 suppliers and 1,200 growers have joined the ECIP LAB platform to date.

“EFI has made significant progress in strengthening buyer, supplier, and grower participation in ECIP this year,” said Laura Himes, vice president of produce sourcing for Walmart. “We are constantly learning and growing from these initiatives. By scaling best practices across the industry, we can create a more sustainable future for all stakeholders. We’re thrilled to be a part of this important work providing labor tools and training at scale.”

Plans for ECIP in 2025 include the introduction of optional worker surveys to give employees the chance to assess the impact of labour management systems, as well as a new engagement tool for farm labour contractors to ensure that all employers and workers in the supply chain understand the principles of the Ethical Charter.

EFI said it will expand educational initiatives in the coming year to provide information and tools needed to maximise ECIP engagement. “Reaching these milestones is more than a celebration of progress so far; it’s a call to action for the future,” said Peter O’Driscoll, EFI executive director. “ECIP represents the next chapter in EFI’s mission to build a more ethical, sustainable and worker-centred food system.”

EFI brought training and educational opportunities to the full industry for the first time in 2024 through a suite of learning products, from free webinars to one-hour seminars and intensive customised courses. More than 500 attendees furthered their understanding of core social responsibility concepts aligned with the Ethical Charter.

Last year also marked the 10th anniversary of its first EFI certification and the organisation will celebrate its 10th year as an independent nonprofit this April. EFI’s efforts have not only improved conditions for farmworkers but also enhanced productivity and quality throughout the supply chain.

Since its launch, over 60,000 workers on EFI-certified farms have seen improved working conditions, fostering more ethical and productive workplaces.

EFI has also trained nearly 5,000 agriculture professionals – more than 150 in 2024 – in critical skills such as communication and problem-solving, helping build a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement on farming operations.

The organisation has certified farms that have produced more than 100mn lbs of fresh produce, spanning 47 different products. Finally, almost US$25mn in farmworker bonuses have been generated – more than US$4mn in 2024 alone.

“As EFI enters its second decade, it remains committed to transparency, accountability and shared prosperity, setting the standard for a more sustainable and equitable produce industry. Building on its pioneering certification with programs like ECIP and more comprehensive educational offerings, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to ensure better conditions for workers and better produce for consumers,” the organisation said.