Regenerative Agriculture - creating a shared understanding in specialty crops, Regenerative Agriculture in Action, Why Buyer Participation Matters, USDA AMP Grower Recruitment Continues, IFPA, and more in October’s edition of our monthly newsletter.

Specialty crop growers are already making management decisions and implementing practices that can align with regenerative agriculture.

Those practices may include nutrient management, efficient irrigation, soil moisture monitoring, cover crops, integrated pest management, on-farm trials and compost applications. Which practices make sense will vary by crop, region, production system and farm goals.

Regenerative agriculture continues to gain attention across the food and agriculture industry. Growers are hearing about it from customers, buyers and food companies are developing commitments around it, and government agencies, researchers, nonprofits and certification programs are approaching it in different ways.

As interest grows, so can the confusion.

September is a good time to look ahead at what is coming and make sure your team is prepared. Two issues we are watching closely this month are Walmart’s upcoming Project Gigaton reporting and the continued development of Extended Producer Responsibility requirements across the country.

Over the past month, the Measure to Improve team has supported clients preparing for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), continued implementing the USDA Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) Grant, and participated in conversations at both the Agri-Pulse Food & Ag Issues Summit and the Salinas Biological Summit.

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.

Across the fresh produce industry, sustainability is not becoming simpler. Expectations, requirements, and priorities continue to shift, and signals are mixed. In this issue of Fresh Picks & Sustainability Tips, we highlight what’s changing, what to focus on, and how to move forward without overbuilding or wasting time, including the latest on EPR, the USDA AMP project, and how building soil health is key to gaining a competitive advantage.

The end of 2025 and the start of 2026 have been busy across the fresh produce industry, with a lot of activity around sustainability reporting, packaging regulations, and new program requirements. As reporting requests become more common and requirements become more defined, having the right structure in place makes a big difference. Read more about two new solutions we’re offering at MTI to support producers navigate increasing EPR and greenhouse gas emissions reporting requirements.

This month’s update looks back on reporting season and lessons learned to make the year ahead smoother, new information on SB 253 and SB 261, and upcoming events across the produce industry.

This month’s update covers reporting season support with our Quick Start Compliance Solution, fresh insights on consumer demand for sustainability, a new Bonita Ranch case study, takeaways from SEPC Southern Innovations, and upcoming events across the produce industry.

Monthly fresh produce news featuring the ROI of Sustainability, SEPC Southern Innovations Conference, Walnut Sustainability Initiatives, and our Sustainability Simplified Guide.

Retail sustainability demands are rising fast — from Scope 1 and 2 emissions targets to detailed resource data. For fresh produce businesses, it’s no longer just about compliance. It’s about staying competitive. Learn why your ability to respond credibly impacts revenue, and how Measure to Improve can help.

Featuring insights from Seminis Field Day, Biochar at Niner Wine Estates, and perspective on who’s responsible for sustainability efforts in produce farming.

Featuring insights from Community Alliance with Family Farmers, Biological Products Industry Alliance, and The Sustainability Consortium Summit.

Featuring the sheep grazing in vineyards Field Days event at Solminer, insights from the SEPC Southern Exposure Conference, and sustainability compliance insights.

Featuring highlights from the California Ag Leadership Board of Directors Meeting, the 45th EcoFarm Conference, our B-Corp recertification, and more.

This year, our focus is on growth and expansion, not only in our business but also in our ability to help the fresh produce industry navigate sustainability challenges with confidence and innovation.

As 2024 comes to a close, I’m reminded that sustainability isn’t a buzzword — it’s a way of doing business and is, and will be, integral to any business's long-term success.

By committing to sustainable practices, we not only protect the land and resources that nourish us today, but we also safeguard the future of food production. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient system that benefits both people and the planet.

What's happening in the world of produce & sustainability? Check out this month's update with insights on pollinator protection, upcoming events, and more.