New framework will focus on five key areas including sustainable packaging, regenerative agriculture, food waste reduction, social responsibility and climate change, with official launch planned for October 2026
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has announced that it is developing a Global Fresh Produce and Floral Sustainability Framework, focused on creating new tools and guidance on key sustainability issues relevant to the production community and supply chain.
It comes in the wake of increasing global pressures ranging from climate impacts to increased customer requirements and geopolitical challenges.
The framework was the focus of a joint planning session between IFPA leaders and representatives from The Consumer Goods Forum on 15 October.
The session expanded upon the collaborative efforts between the organisations over the past several years in the Forum’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative.
“Sustainability is at the core of what the fresh produce and floral community represents: stewardship for the planet while growing food and flowers to feed and bring joy to consumers worldwide,” said IFPA vice president of sustainability Tamara Muruetagoiena.
”Yet, mounting social, economic, and environmental demands continue to challenge our future.
“This framework will provide reliable information on sustainability tools and practices, validate practice adoption, and provide a forum for our members’ sustainability journeys,” she noted.
Developed by the more than 120 members of IFPA’s Sustainability Council and a global steering committee, the framework will ensuring worldwide support for the five focus areas of the initiative – sustainable packaging, regenerative agriculture, food loss/waste, social responsibility and climate change.
Over the next year, each focus area will be further defined to include a formal mission, measurements and metrics to track progress and reporting outcomes, as well as best practices and actionable strategies to facilitate implementation.
Phase one of the framework will focus on the growing community, with finalisation estimated by January 2026 at Fruit Logistica in Berlin.
Phase two will emphasise the broader supply chain, with finalisation expected by July 2026.
The official launch of the Global Fresh Produce and Floral Sustainability Framework is planned for the October 2026 IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show.
