Growers United proudly presents its first sustainability report. In this annual report, the cooperative sets out the steps it has taken in its sustainability strategy in 2022. “In anticipation of the mandatory CSRD reporting in 2025, we have intentionally opted to gain experience in producing a report of this kind,” says Jacques Wolbert, Manager Sustainability at Growers United. “Rather than wait until it becomes compulsory, we are already reaping the ‘fruit’ from the insights the data provides.”
Growers United formulated an organisation-wide sustainability strategy, including ambitions and goals, in 2019. This strategy is based on three pillars: Less Impact, Reduce Waste and Healthy People. The aim is for the cooperative to reduce the environmental impact of growing and packing its fruit vegetables. Growers United is also committed to improving the wellbeing of both employees and consumers. Its ultimate aim is to be fully circular, fair and healthy by 2040 at the latest. “On the way to 2040, we have set interim goals for 2025 as a cooperative,” explains board member and aubergine grower Pleun van Duijn on behalf of the sustainability working group. “And we believe we will meet them.”
Horti Footprint calculation
Thanks in part to the calculation of its Horti Footprint, Growers United knows exactly where its members stand. “This standardised calculation method enables us to monitor how our growers are developing in terms of sustainability. It makes clear to our members what aspects they need to fine-tune to become even more sustainable,” Jacques says. “And the Horti Footprint is recalculated for all nurseries every year.”
Sustainability in the supply chain
Up to now, the goals and actions in Growers United’s sustainability strategy have focused primarily on the nurseries themselves, packaging and the cooperative’s own staff. Over the next few years, it will be taking concrete steps to extend its sustainability strategy to the supply chain, for example by making arrangements with exporters and suppliers.
Click here to view the substainability report.
Photo caption: Aubergine grower and board member Pleun van Duijn and Jacques Wolbert Manager Sustainability at Growers United (from left to right)