Online via the publication. 3 pages., Findings of a poll by The Packer indicated that "properly administered social responsibility programs
do exactly that, or at least can be a significant factor in helping accomplish that goal." They can help ensure that workers are treated well according to health and safety standards and compensated fairly. Such programs also provide to the wider company a greater sense of purpose that workers' jobs
contribute to something greater than profits.
Online from publisher. 4 pages., Article features findings of a Packer survey about social responsibility. The summary includes brief responses by 11 leaders in the produce industry about the meaning of social responsibility.
Online from publication. 3 pages., Report of USDA decision to suspend a report used to set wages for guest workers in the H-2A program in 2021, with examples of responses and implications.
Online from publication. 3 pages., "Retailers care about sustainability because consumers care, but for many the pursuit of sustainability tends to be more of an afterthought than top priority. Sustainability is valued highly by growers, retailers and consumers, but there is not always common understanding of what it means."
Online from publication. 5 pages., Summary of a survey among U.S. consumers, performed by Aimpoint Research for The Packer. Findings suggested that the lack of a concrete definition of sustainability points to the need to earn consumers' trust regarding the food industry.
Online from periodical. 2 pages., Describes promotion activities of an apple growers cooperative, The Next Big Thing. with growers in Canada and five U.S. states.
Online from publication. 5 pages., Summarizes findings of a survey among members of a nationwide consumer panel. Charts identify ranked percentages of respondents who had bought 20 fruits and 20 vegetables during the past 12 months.
Online from periodical. 4 pages., In a report from the Packer's 2021 Global Organic Produce Expo, author cited speakers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Organic Trade Association. They indicated that the trend arrow is still pointing up for organic produce. Data from 2019 indicated that numerous organic fruit and vegetable crops have seen sharp increases since 2016. The Association estimated that about 14 percent of all produce sold in the U.S. is organic.
Online from publication. 3 pages., Author reports on a panel discussion about managing workforce challenges in a COVID-19 environment. Speakers advised that during pandemics or other challenging situations employers should communicate with their employees and other stakeholders, even when plans and next steps are not in place. Other counsel: be transparent, tell (and show) employees that you care and are doing something, provide opportunity for them to talk, ask questions, create an anonymous hotline. send email updates.
