Stemilt Growers and the Equitable Food Initiative both feature in a short film examining the efforts of certified B Corporations to create resilient and inclusive food supply chains
A new short film presented by B Lab Global and produced by BBC StoryWorks Commercial Productions explores how certified B Corporations are working to “weave environmental and social performance, transparency and accountability into their core mission”.
Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organisation, Stemilt Growers, a US grower and packer of apples, pears and cherries, and Once Upon a Farm, a supplier of organic snacks and meals, are all featured in the film, which is part of global series called Common Good.
“Even amidst all the complexities and challenges, I believe that businesses should and can be positive change agents,” says Jane Kuhn, director of sustainability at Once Upon a Farm. “We can support positive impact and positive change in the supply chain.”
“The partnerships built between EFI, Stemilt and Once Upon a Farm have created positive impacts on the workers, the environment and the products,” adds LeAnne Ruzzamenti, director of marketing and communications for EFI.
The film examines how EFI’s workforce development model, focused on leadership training, collaboration and problem-solving, has been implemented at Stemilt.
In it, Maggie Torres, Stemilt’s manager for business partners and people experience, shares her background as a farmworker and speaks of her commitment to listening to workers and integrating their feedback into the operation.
“Our partnership with EFI has deepened our commitment to continuous improvement and to our Stemilters, who are the people behind our fruit,” explains Brianna Shales, marketing director at Stemilt. “We have always invested in our people and the planet, but when that commitment is recognised by customers and consumers, it brings a higher standard to the industry at large and creates a ripple effect of positive impacts.”
“What makes this story worth sharing is not just that these three companies are doing the right thing – it’s that they’re doing it together,” continues Ruzzamenti. “Real resilience comes from shared purpose and true collaboration, and that’s what this film captures so well.”
“Farmwork is hard work,” adds Kuhn. “It’s skilled work, and I think it’s crucial we remember that behind every apple or fruit pouch on the shelf, there are many hands and many people who made it happen. Stemilt is one of our key suppliers, and they quickly stood out as an example of a supplier that doesn’t let complexity equal complacency.”
