Understanding the 2024 Sustainable Producer

Unlock the Future of Sustainable Production!

Discover how floral and produce producers are revolutionizing sustainability practices by diving into this IFPA members-only report. With a staggering 82% of producers prioritizing sustainability, this report unveils the driving forces behind their green initiatives from long-term business viability to meeting customer demands.

Learn how 87% of producers are influenced by retailer requirements and how 85% see collaboration with retailers as a game-changer. Explore innovative recycling initiatives, cost-saving measures and cutting-edge technologies that are setting new standards in sustainable production.

Uncover the challenges producers face from financial constraints to regulatory hurdles and their ambitious goals like reducing emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality. This report is a must-read for anyone passionate about sustainability and the future of the floral and produce industries.

Don't miss out on these insights—your journey to a greener future starts here!

Methodology

Q2 Where do you grow?

Electronic survey sent to floral and produce producers in September 2024

Results

58 Produce responses
55 Floral responses

From the following regions:

North America

South America

Central America

Sustainability is important & worthy of investment

Q5 How important is sustainability to your company
Q18 Is your company investing in research and innovation for sustainable production?

Believe sustainability is extremely or very important

Investing in research & innovation for more sustainable production

Top 3 reasons for pursuing Sustainability efforts

Q7 What is the main reason for your company to pursue sustainability?

Long-term business viability & resilience

Corporate social responsibility

Retailer or customer demand

Retail influence

Q12 Do retailers influence your sustainability practices?
Q28 Would your company benefit from closer collaboration with retailers on sustainability initiatives?

State retailer requirements influence sustainability practices

Believe their company would benefit from closer collaboration with retailers on sustainability issues

Top 3 ways sustainability drives long term viability

Q26 How do sustainable practices contribute to the long term viability of your business?

Drive innovation & competitiveness

Strengthen relationships with retailers and suppliers

Significantly enhance our brand reputation and customer loyalty

Recycling

Q14 Are there recycling initiatives in place for packaging materials and other waste products?
Q15 How are recycling initiative driven?

90%

Have recycling initiatives for packaging materials and other waste.

Driven by:

Circle graph showing 67 percent full

Internal initiative

Circle graph showing 17 percent full

Customer demand

Circle graph showing 17 percent full

Government regulations

Future regulations

Q22 How do you perceive the impact of potential future regulations on sustainability in the industry?

64%

Perceive there will be an impact on sustainability by future regulations

Climate Change Mitigation: Practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon sequestration, renewable energy use, and improved manure management.
Soil Health and Conservation: Policies promoting soil health through cover cropping, no-till farming, and crop rotation.
Water Management: Efficient irrigation systems and practices to minimize runoff and pollution.
Biodiversity: Preserving natural habitats and promoting diverse crop species.
Waste Reduction: Better waste management practices, including recycling programs for organic waste and agricultural plastics.
Sustainable Inputs: Use of organic fertilizers and biopesticides to reduce reliance on synthetic chemicals.

Cost savings

Q17 Have you identified any cost savings or economic benefits associated with sustainability initiatives?

57%

Identified cost savings or economic benefits associated with sustainability initiatives

Sustainability efforts can offer significant cost savings for fruit, vegetable, and flower farms.

Reduced Input Costs: Crop rotation and organic fertilization lower synthetic input needs.
Energy Efficiency: Solar panels and efficient irrigation cut energy and water costs.
Waste Reduction: Composting and recycling reduce waste disposal expenses.
Improved Yield and Quality: Healthier crops lead to higher yields and better quality.
Long-term Soil Health: No-till farming and cover crops enhance soil fertility.
Market Premiums: Sustainable practices can command higher prices.

Sustainability in partner selection

Q21 To what extent does your company consider sustainability criteria in the selection of suppliers and partners within the supply chain?

56%

Sustainability criteria is somewhat/a lot considered in selection of partners

Many farms are increasingly asking their partners about their sustainability practices.

Supply Chain Transparency: Ensuring all partners follow sustainable practices.
Regulatory Compliance: Verifying partners' adherence to eco-friendly inputs and methods to avoid penalties.
Market Demand: Collaborating with partners to meet consumer expectations for sustainable products.
Financial Incentives: Maximizing benefits from markets, subsidies, and grants through sustainable practices.
Risk Management: Mitigating risks related to environmental impact, resource scarcity, and market fluctuations by ensuring partners' sustainability.

Employee engagement

Q23 How engaged are our employees in sustainability initiatives?

36%

Engage employees in sustainability initiatives

Employee engagement in sustainability efforts is increasingly common and crucial for the success of these initiatives.

Leadership Commitment: Leaders visibly support and participate in sustainability initiatives.
Education and Training: Training sessions and webinars on sustainability.
Recognition and Rewards: Rewarding employees for contributions to sustainability.
Integration into Daily Practices: Incorporating sustainability into everyday work life.
Community Projects: Volunteering opportunities related to environmental conservation.
Transparent Communication: Regular updates on sustainability goals and achievements.

Top 5 ways sustainability efforts are communicated

Q7 What is the main reason for your company to pursue sustainability?

The number one 63%
In-person meetings or presentations

The number two 55%
Website updates & blog posts

The number three 40%
Produce labeling & packaging

The number four 40%
Social media campaigns

The number five 36%
Sustainability reports or certifications

Farms use various strategies to effectively communicate their sustainability efforts. Here are some of the top ways:

Sustainability Reports: Detailed reports on practices, achievements, and goals.
Social Media: Sharing updates, success stories, and educational content.
Partnerships and Certifications: Collaborating with certification bodies and displaying certifications.
Website and Blogs: Regular updates on sustainability initiatives and progress.
Product Labeling: Communicating sustainability credentials on labels and packaging.

Sustainability Standards

Q8 Are you certified in any sustainability standards?
Q9 If yes, which ones?

53%

Are certified in sustainability standards

Top 4 sustainability certifications used:

Rainforest Alliance
Flora Verde
SMETA
Global Gap

Sustainability certifications may increase:

Consumer Trust: Certifications provide assurance to consumers that the products they are buying meet specific environmental and social standards. This helps build trust and loyalty.
Market Access: Many retailers and markets require sustainability certifications for products. Having these certifications can open up new market opportunities and allow farms to reach a broader audience.
Competitive Advantage: Certified farms can differentiate themselves from competitors by showcasing their commitment to sustainable practices. This can be a significant selling point in a market where consumers are increasingly concerned about sustainability.
Operational Efficiency: The process of obtaining certification often involves adopting more efficient and sustainable practices, which can lead to cost savings and improved productivity.
Environmental and Social Impact: Certifications ensure that farms are following practices that protect the environment and support social responsibility, contributing to broader sustainability goals.

Overall, sustainability certifications provide a framework for continuous improvement and help farms achieve long-term viability and success.

Top 6 challenges to adopting sustainability practices

Q11 What challenges do you face in adopting or implementing sustainable practices?

Financial constraints & cost

Operational complexities & disruptions

Regulatory & compliance hurdles

Challenges in integrating sustainability into existing systems & processes

Lack of expertise or knowledge

Limited availability of sustainable materials or technologies

Adopting sustainability practices can be challenging for farms due to several factors:

Initial Costs: Implementing sustainable practices often requires significant upfront investment in new technologies, equipment, and training. This can be a barrier, especially for small-scale farms with limited financial resources.
Access to Technology: Many sustainable farming techniques rely on advanced technologies that may not be readily available or affordable for all farmers. This includes precision agriculture tools, renewable energy systems, and efficient irrigation methods.
Knowledge and Training: Farmers need to be educated about sustainable practices and how to implement them effectively. Lack of access to training and extension services can hinder adoption.
Market Demand and Incentives: Without strong market demand for sustainably produced goods or sufficient financial incentives, farmers may be reluctant to change their practices. Ensuring there are economic benefits to adopting sustainability is crucial.
Regulatory and Policy Support: Inconsistent or insufficient policy support can make it difficult for farmers to adopt sustainable practices. Clear regulations and supportive policies are needed to encourage and facilitate these changes.
Cultural and Social Barriers: Traditional farming practices and resistance to change can also be significant barriers. Engaging the farming community and demonstrating the long-term benefits of sustainability can help overcome these challenges.