As part of the organization's strategic commitments to both growing its worldwide influence and future proofing the industry through programs and initiatives on topics such as sustainability, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) has returned from the 2025 United Nations Climate Change Conference (or the Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC) having forged deeper connections with global policymakers focused on climate, sustainability, food systems and quality, and nutrition security.
"Sustainability is at the core of what the fresh produce and floral industry 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, who represented the organization and its members at COP30 in Belem, Brazil. "Sustainability is more than an ambition; it's a daily responsibility for so many across the global produce and floral supply chain. From reducing food loss and packaging waste to improving resource efficiency and supporting regenerative farming, our industry is already delivering solutions that make a difference."
Muruetagoiena also brought IFPA's perspectives to roundtables and side events hosted by the International Seed Federation and the Association of South East Asian Nations on topics ranging from how improved seed varieties can be used for climate adaptation and food security to ASEAN leadership in converging food system policies for resilience, nutrition, and climate ambition.
© IFPATamara Muruetagoiena
From an advocacy perspective, the organization believes fresh produce and floral products are good for the planet and its people. It is dedicated to:
- Responsible land stewardship and biodiversity preservation.
- Protecting the wellbeing of the people who grow, harvest, and handle its products.
- Reducing the environmental footprint of the fresh produce and floral sectors from farm to retail.
This includes increasing climate resiliency and adaptation through innovation, collaboration, and responsible practices; minimizing food waste; and advancing sustainable packaging solutions.
One recent example of IFPA's leadership in sustainability was the development of a Global Sustainability Framework in conjunction with the Consumer Goods Forum that is focused on sustainable packaging, regenerative agriculture, food loss/waste, social responsibility, and climate change.
Another was the organization's engagement and testimony at the United Nations' treaty negotiation on plastic pollution in Geneva, Switzerland, which followed IFPA earning accreditation status with the U.N. Environment Programme in July 2025.
This accreditation marked the second opportunity IFPA obtained to collaborate with, and contribute to, U.N. initiatives – the first being the observer status the association received last year for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Additional fresh produce and floral sustainability resources are available on the IFPA website.
For more information:
Ashley Sempowski
International Fresh Produce Association
[email protected]
https://www.freshproduce.com/
