IFPA’s Muruetagoiena to Bring Global Discussion on Sustainability in Ag to Berlin

February 8, 2023

Washington, D.C. and Newark, DE – Tamara Muruetagoiena, director of sustainability at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) will bring the global perspective on sustainability in produce to the table in Berlin at IFPA’s Executive Leadership Summit being held in conjunction with Fruit Logistica.

“Sustainability is like the wind, you may not see it but it’s moving and changing the world around us all the time,” said Muruetagoiena. “Sustainability is a part of IFPA’s DNA especially because it’s so central to the way we work along every step of the supply chain. Our industry has pioneered sustainable practices for a long time because, in many cases, this is the best way to farm. The more we share our successes and the benefits of climate smart practices, the greater the potential for new solutions to some of the greatest challenges that lay ahead.”

Muruetagoiena will speak to attendees of the Executive Leadership Summit on February 7, and will specifically highlight some of the trends across the supply chain. Attendees will also hear from experts on the state of the economy, consumer trends, and more.

“While Europe is known for pioneering much of the sustainability practices due to pressure from regulatory partners and policy makers,” said Muruetagoiena. “Other countries, including the U.S. are not far behind, but may be driven by pressures from other sources, like Retail, who are responding to rising consumer interests in the area. Regardless of the reason or the region, our members are passionate about sustainability and aware that it’s become a part of doing business in today’s world.”

Muruetagoiena mentioned that there are a number of hot topics in the field of sustainability, especially as the topic continues to stay top of mind in the media. Examples of these topics include:

Packaging: This is one of the hottest topics especially when it comes to legislation that impacts the industry. Muruetagoiena pointed out that sustainability work is as much about helping the industry leverage opportunities and build partnerships but also about educating legislators about what the industry is doing to innovate and apply climate smart practices to allow time for transition and to adapt solutions across the entire food system.
Climate change and questions of carbon: “Agriculture has a reputation for having a big carbon footprint, but ag is very broad and encompasses dairy, livestock, row crops, specialty crops and more. There’s an opportunity for produce to stand out in ag, especially as it relates to carbon sequestration and storage. Carbon farming, Muruetagoiena points out, is one of the great opportunities for produce. While soil health is already central to what we do, the more we become experts on the full potential of carbon storage and the benefits for our industry, the more we can contribute.
Biodiversity: This is especially a hot topic in Europe while North America is speaking more about regenerative farming. Biodiversity is at the core of many of the conversations about future proofing the food system. Genetic diversity is necessary to improve crops resiliency against pests and environmental changes.

“I am looking forward to speaking with our members in Berlin to share with them everything we’ve been working on with major partners including the Consumer Goods Forum,” said Muruetagoiena. “Because our supply chain is so interconnected, whenever there is a change or new pressure on the supply chain – legislative or otherwise – that change is contagious and it will have impacts further on the supply chain.”

IFPA’s Muruetagoiena to Bring Global Discussion on Sustainability in Ag to Berlin

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