This quarter’s Sustainability Newsletter will recap two of the exciting panels presented at the Fortune Expo in Chicago, other sustainability related panels/webinars, celebrating BST’s award, and highlights what we are diving into for the last quarter of the year.

Expo Panel- Future Proofing- How the industry is responding to consumer demands, environmental pressures, and the economic climate 

The food industry is faced with responding to consumer demands, environmental pressures, and a challenging economic climate. Hear from producers across industries, environmental professionals, and our distributors’ perspective about developing products and practices that support sustainable business growth.

Session 1 Cliff Notes 

Sarah Willis, Senior Key Account Manager from Earth Optics soil data mapping and measuring company that precisely measures the health and structure of soil. They are the leading measurement, monitoring, reporting and verification technology provider to farmers and ranchers.  They provide data driven solutions with the opportunity to lead the way in mitigating the impact of CO2.  
 

Ron Mardensen, 5th generation farmer and Representative from Niman Ranch. Ron delves into the need to take care of the land and leave it even better for the next generation than it was left to him, and how joining the Niman Ranch network saved his farm.  He is excited that people are making a conscious effort to ask and find out where their food comes from.  He also points out that economically if you can keep farmers on the land, you will have thriving rural communities.  
 

Erin Clancy, Midwest Sales and Business Development Manager from Point Reyes Cheese.  Women owned Point Reyes Cheese are third generation dairy farmers first.  Erin explains how consumers are looking for sustainability practices in the production of the food they buy, and how sustainability has allowed them to take the expense out of the product and providing a cost break to the customers. Erin shares with us Point Reyes’ 2019 initiatives, and new innovations in cow comfort. It must be every cows’ dream to be a Point Reyes Lady! 
 

There are resources and programs available to assist with funding that helps farmers and ranchers offset costs. The commitment to sustainability needs to be economically sound too. 
 

Favorite quotes from this session include-  

“Let pigs be pigs!”  
 

“If you commit to a practice change the change will be reflected in soil.  The healthier the soil, the healthier the profitability.” 
 

“Soil provides a huge opportunity to reverse climate change.” 
 

Watch the video to hear more. 

Session 2 Cliff Notes 

Riki Franco, Founder & CEO of Prime 6, manufactures high performing clean, sustainable solid fuels from upcycled hardwood waste, certified by the USDA. They plant one tree for every box sold. 
 

Juan de Dios Garcia Cassa, Export Manager from Omed, 4th generation Farmer, 2nd generation producer of extra virgin olive oil and vinegars. 
 

Dalton Thomas, Sales Lead from Wildtype making salmon directly from cells.  Every pound of salmon comes from cells from a fish 7 years ago.
 

Jessica Halper, Director of Product from Upside Foods cultivated meat/making meat directly from cells. 
 

They all have similar issues with a diversity of approaches to bring sustainability and welfare while safe proofing the food system.  Each panelist speaks to consumer demand for sustainable products and business practices and how this has shaped their operations. 

Juan de speaks about the pilot program “Living Olive Yards” and how Omed is creating and maintaining biodiversity with a community of flora and fauna for a balanced ecosystem using very little resources. Riki at Prime 6 explains how her fuel is more efficient, consistent, and produced by a carbon negative process.  
 

The cultivated meat companies produce products with 100% yield but know they will be critiqued along the production journey on the environmental aspects of production at scale.  Each is creating an ecosystem of trusted partners across the system.  
 

All the panelists would agree that you must have common sense and a positive return on investment.  If you can make improvements that are good for the environment, not too difficult for your operations, maintaining or improving quality is a win win.  Innovate for efficiency and sustainability.   
 

Watch the video to learn more.

Climate Week in NYC 

Kelly Burling, Senior VP of Merchandising Solutions, was a panelist at an event in REGEN House, hosted by How Good, EIT Food, and the Institute of Regeneration, during Climate Week in New York. REGEN House is focused on bringing together leaders and innovators across the food ecosystem to enable evolutionary conversations around regeneration (https://www.regen.house/). The panel, data modernization for the Food and Beverage Industry, was sponsored by our master data management partner Informatica. Kelly joined panelists from Informatica, HowGood, and Deloitte, discussed the importance of data governance, quality, and process in the food industry’s journey to better understanding its footprint, sustainability initiatives and food safety. 

BST wins Award 

Boston Sword and Tuna was honored with the Manufacturer of the Year Award for the 4th Suffolk District by the state of Massachusetts in recognition of their dedication to the sustainability and advancement of manufacturing in Massachusetts.  Congrats Team! 

On the Horizon 

Stacy Schultz, Director of Supply Chain Stewardship, will be a judge for Acme Smoked Fish Foundation Seafood Industry Climate Awards for the 3rd year in a row. 

https://www.perishablenews.com/seafood/acme-smoked-fish-foundation-launches-seafood-industry-climate-awards-with-210000-in-grants/ 

Stacy Schultz has also taken on the role of Vice President of the board for Stronger America Through Seafood (SATS).  SATS mission is securing a stronger America through increased U.S. production of healthful, sustainable, and affordable seafood.  Their key initiatives are to support US offshore aquaculture by securing the passage of legislature.  Fortune has been on the SATS board since 2018. 

Diversified Communications is hosting a Seafood 2030 Forum on Traceability Adoption in Seafood: Planning for the Future.  It is a free 2-hour virtual live program with on-demand recording.  Register to listen in on this event here.  Fortune will be co-hosting one of the panels with Leo Pradela from the Walton Foundation. The forum is November 13th 1-3:00pm ET.