Greener Fields Together Targets Sustainability

MONTEREY, Calif.Greener Fields Together, the foodservice industrys first comprehensive, national farm-to-fork sustainability program, launched today with two primary goals: to create and commit to continuous sustainability improvements at each touch point in the produce supply chain, and to ensure the availability and safety of local produce for operators in all segments.

Administered by PRO*ACT, a leading supplier of fresh produce to the foodservice industry, Greener Fields Together is being brought to market through PRO*ACTs national network of independently owned local distributor partners.

Beginning with farmers, Greener Fields Together targets and will measure green" activities in areas including energy use, water and waste management, pesticide/herbicide use, packaging and transportation. Farmers large and small partnering with PRO*ACT in the initiative will be expected to make continuous improvements in these and other areas.

At the distribution level, all PRO*ACT distributors have pledged to make Greener Fields Together a strategic priority and are implementing improvements such as, but not limited to, energy-efficient lighting and refrigeration, recyclable totes and pallet wraps, backhauling, and building long-term partnerships with local farms, including financially supporting local farmers food safety education and certification efforts.

Hospitality operators are also eligible to become part of the initiative and display the Greener Fields Together emblem. This represents their commitment to the Greener Fields Together produce supply chain and continuous sustainability improvements in their operations.

Our vision, and what weve been working toward for the last couple of years, is to unite the supply chain in efforts for continuous improvement in sustainability and safety at all levels of the produce industry," said Max Yeater, PRO*ACT president. This initiative is unique in the way it provides a level of assurance, through consistent third-party verification, that all green efforts promoted by us and our supply chain partners are truly sustainable and that our local produce has been grown, harvested and delivered using safe, sustainable practices."