Fresh Picks & Sustainability Tips: June 2026
What a busy month it has been in the world of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
Between California’s reporting deadline, ongoing discussions around producer responsibility, and growing questions about packaging data and compliance obligations, one thing is clear: EPR is no longer a future issue. It is here today.
Recent coverage from The Packer, IFPA, and Western Growers reflects many of the same conversations we are having with fresh produce companies, confusion around packaging responsibility, uncertainty around reporting requirements, and concerns about future costs and fees.
While guidance continues to evolve, companies cannot afford to wait for every answer before getting organized. Now is the time to understand what packaging data you have, where it lives, who manages it, and how your organization will respond as reporting requirements become more defined.
That is exactly why we developed our EPR Readiness Solution: to help fresh produce companies assess their packaging data, clarify internal responsibilities, and build a practical path forward as EPR requirements continue taking shape.
As always, we hope this month’s insights and perspectives provide useful information as the industry continues navigating what comes next.
Warmest Regards,
Nikki Cossio - Founder & CEO - Measure to Improve
Why “Checking the Box” on Sustainability Compliance Is Risky
Across the fresh produce industry, many companies are taking the fastest and least expensive path possible to respond to retailer sustainability requests and evolving regulatory requirements.
Why is that risky? Compliance is no longer made up of isolated reporting requests. What once felt like occasional surveys or one-time reporting exercises is increasingly becoming part of broader systems that affect customer relationships, packaging decisions, sustainability claims, operational coordination, and long-term business risk.
What Washington Growers Are Teaching the Industry About Regenerative Agriculture
In May, the MTI team joined the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) for a series of visits across Washington State focused on current and future participants in the USDA Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) Program.
Throughout the week, we visited Stemilt Growers, CMI Orchards, Okanagan Specialty Fruits, and the 30-Year Regenerative Ag Orchard Tech Showcase to hear directly from growers, sustainability leaders, researchers, and technology innovators about regenerative agriculture, stewardship, and long-term orchard management.
Sustainability as Strategic Business Decision: Lessons from Duda Farm Fresh Foods
Over the last several years, Duda Farm Fresh Foods has taken a deliberate approach to integrating sustainability into broader business operations and long-term planning rather than treating it as a stand-alone initiative.
In our latest case study, Duda shares how they invested early in organizational alignment, cross-functional collaboration, and long-term stewardship while building sustainability into how teams communicate, plan, and operate across the business.
Staying Close to What’s Next
We continue to stay engaged with groups like the Sustainable Packaging Coalition and show up at key industry events, both in the room and in the field, to understand where things are actually heading.
We take what we see, hear, and learn and translate it into clear, practical direction for our clients so decisions are based on what’s coming next, not what’s already outdated.
Where You’ll Find Measure to Improve:
Agri-Pulse 2026 Food & Ag Issues Summit June 2, 2026, Sacramento, CA
2026 Salinas Biological Summit June 23 and June 24, Salinas, CA
Organic Produce Summit (OPS) July 13-16, Monterey, CA
If you’ll be at any of these events, reach out we would love to connect.
Your Partner in Produce Sustainability
Measure to Improve (MTI) is your trusted partner for navigating sustainability in the fresh produce industry. Our team brings deep industry knowledge, practical strategies, and hands-on experience to help businesses stay competitive in an evolving landscape. From strategy and implementation to reporting and compliance, now is the time to start planning for 2027.
