Podcasts Health The Produce Moms Podcast EP36: Responsible Sourcing 101 with Jessie Gunn

EP36: Responsible Sourcing 101 with Jessie Gunn

Published: Jan. 30, 2019, 2:22 p.m.

b'

\\u201cOne of the most beautiful parts of responsible sourcing is the effort put into raising communities and empowering the farm workers that feed our families.\\u201d - Jessie Gunn (3:52)\\xa0

When mentioning responsible sourcing in the produce industry, most people may immediately think of the standards implemented to yield healthy, safe produce. However, responsible sourcing is about more than just the produce itself. It\\u2019s important to recognize that people, planet, and resources are all symbiotic. The same parents who are providing healthy, sustainable food sources for their children also want to make sure that they have a beautiful green part to play. It\\u2019s crucial to treat farm workers fairly, and also make sure that the crops they are harvesting and handling each day aren\\u2019t poisoned with countless chemicals. It takes health awareness in each area to establish sustainable and responsible sourcing.

\\u201cIf we want to provide good, healthy work environments for workers, we have to be environmentally sound as well.\\u201d - Jessie Gunn

\\xa0

While the words \\u201cFair Trade\\u201d are often thrown around, not everyone is aware of what this standard entails. In order for a company to be fair trade certified, they have to be willing to submit to third-party audits, both scheduled and unscheduled. These audits include interviewing farm workers and reviewing documentation and growing practices. The standard encompasses much more than just the produce.

\\xa0

With the rise of awareness through social media and technology, consumers are demanding responsible sourcing. In fact, the last two years have shown a 19% increase in purchases of items including \\u201cfree from\\u201d labels, Certified Fair Trade, B Corp produce, and products that support empowering women. This is the most dramatic increase in purchasing power in decades.

\\xa0

Listen in to this week\\u2019s episode to learn more about responsibly sourced produce, internationally sourced produce, the rise in consumer awareness, and how you can make a difference in the produce industry.

\\xa0

\\u201cFood feeds your whole person. It feeds your values, it feeds your moral alignment. It is about feeding your family what\\u2019s best for them to grow them into better human beings.\\u201d - Jessie Gunn (26:02)

\\xa0

To learn more about responsible sourcing practices, find Jessie Gunn on LinkedIn, and visit fairtradeusa.org. Be intentional about your produce purchases. If you buy fruit or vegetables that make claims about their sourcing, go to their website and do your research. Be more informed, be more responsible, and help us increase responsible sourcing for a more sustainable produce industry.

\\xa0

Some Topics we talk about in this episode:

\\xa0

  • Introduction // Jessie Gunn - 1:18
  • What is Responsible Sourcing? - 3:12
  • Understanding Fair Trade - 7:13
  • Fresh Produce is an International Collaboration - 12:13
  • Environmental Standards - 15:25
  • 2017 Data Points and Consumers\\u2019 Interest - 19:43
  • The Main Takeaway - 25:12
  • Wrap-up - 28:49

\\xa0

How to get involved

\\xa0

If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we\\u2019d love for you to help us spread the word!

'