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\\u201cWe believe that it is not only our duty to be sustainable in our own operations, but also to motivate and inspire other businesses to do the same during this critical moment our planet is going through.\\u201d

Hans Sauter (4:16 - 4:39)

Hans Sauter is the Senior Vice President of Research & Development and Agricultural Services at Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. He has over 30 years of experience in the produce industry, and he is responsible for developing programs to deal with Del Monte Fresh\\u2019s environmental impact consciously and efficiently. With Hans\\u2019 help, every day is Earth Day at Del Monte Fresh.

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How Del Monte Fresh is promoting sustainability through its farming practices.

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It\\u2019s that time of the year again - it\\u2019s time to celebrate Earth Day 2019. Earth Day is an annual event held in over 190 countries around the world in support of environmental protection. Since fresh produce and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand, now is a great time to take a look at what Del Monte Fresh, one of the leading suppliers of fresh produce in the world, is doing to promote sustainability.

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Del Monte Fresh views sustainability from a scientific point of view. They measure their processes to create awareness within their organization. They\\u2019ve also developed programs to deal with their environmental impact in the most conscious and efficient ways. Along with prioritizing ecological consciousness in their own farming practices, Del Monte Fresh believes they can also inspire other businesses to embrace sustainability in this crucial moment for the planet.

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\\u201cWhen it comes to sustainability, Del Monte Fresh is fully committed to the common good and to the mission at hand. They even work hand-in-hand with their direct competitors to promote sustainability.\\u201d - Lori Taylor (12:19 - 12:35)

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The following are just some of the measures and practices Del Monte Fresh has adopted as they aim to bring high-quality, healthy, and nutritious foods to people in a way that protects the environment, and builds strong ties to the communities they operate in.

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Protecting Flora and Fauna

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The reality of farming is that it has an effect on flora and fauna. It affects the local ecosystem by displacing the species that previously inhabited there. Del Monte Fresh recognizes that if they don\\u2019t provide a new space for them to flourish, then they\\u2019d be competing with the local flora and fauna, which harms the environment.

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Before farming on new lands, Del Monte Fresh studies them carefully to decide which new areas would be best suited to be set aside for the displaced flora and fauna. They also take into account the impact on the water supply which is not only critical to the farming process, but also to the local communities.

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Protecting and Conserving Natural Resources

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Del Monte Fresh makes it a priority to protect and conserve as many natural resources as possible. Resources like air, water, soil, and energy are essential for any agricultural activity. Del Monte Fresh has invested in more efficient irrigation systems like Drip Tape, which delivers water right at the plants where it is needed instead of wasteful and inefficient spreading of water. They\\u2019ve also redesigned the water tanks in some of their packing houses so that they can operate with less water.

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Additionally, they have designed agricultural process to limit soil erosion, and they continue to invest heavily in solar and wind energy, both in the United States and internationally.

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Sustainable Waste Management Practices

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Del Monte Fresh has been practicing sustainable waste management practices. They reduce, re-use, and recycle waste to diminish the impact on the environment. They were early adopters of plastic recycling in their banana farms. They\\u2019ve also been using drone technology and GPA-guided tractors to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, to localize them only where they are needed.

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Sustainable Packaging Practices

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Reducing plastic in packaging is a big concern for consumers of fresh produce, and Del Monte Fresh has taken the initiative to transition to sustainable packaging practices. For the last 20 years, \\xa0they\\u2019ve been working to reduce the raw material requirements for their cardboard boxes by 30%. On top of that, all of the cardboard that is used to transport fruit is tracked and recovered at the destination, and then recycled. Reducing the use of plastics in packaging requires an extensive amount of research, and Del Monte Fresh is continually exploring more sustainable alternatives.

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Empowering and Developing the Community

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Being a global company, Del Monte Fresh operates in many communities throughout the globe. They also work with other growers in many countries, and they\\u2019ve actively made it a requirement that their partners are certified and internationally recognized as sustainable. As of today, close to 78% of Del Monte Fresh\\u2019s entire volume of produce is certified as sustainably grown, and they are pushing for 100% in the coming years. With numbers that impressive, it is important to mention that all of their sustainability reporting relies on third-party audits!

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Del Monte Fresh recognizes that taking care of Mother Earth means not only protecting the environment but also empowering the communities they work in. Throughout the many countries where they have farms, Del Monte Fresh has created programs to support schooling infrastructure, and they\\u2019ve provided students with scholarships and school materials. One of the most rewarding effects of their social agenda has been the fact that many of the beneficiaries of their scholarships now hold administrative and managerial positions with Del Monte Fresh around the world.

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\\u201cIn Del Monte Fresh operations around the world, we are committed to making sure that those communities and our operations are working synergistically, and that we\'re helping to develop those areas.\\u201d - Hans Sauter (19:59 - 20:15)

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As a company, Del Monte Fresh continues to take deliberate action to protect the environment and the communities where they operate. One of the unique things about them is that they work collaboratively even with their competitors to establish infrastructure and best practices to protect the environment. When people choose Del Monte Fresh Produce, they\\u2019re really using a product that allows people around the globe to enjoy healthier lifestyles - from the people who grow the produce all the way to the consumer.

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How to get involved

• Join The Produce Moms Group on Facebook and continue the discussion every week!
• Reach out to us - we\\u2019d love to hear more about where you are in life and business! Find out more here.
• Learn more about Del Monte Fresh Produce on their website.
• To learn more about Del Monte Fresh Produce\\u2019s sustainability efforts, connect with them on Instagram.

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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!