Jul 1, 2024

Wholesum releases sustainability report

Organic greenhouse grower Wholesum has released its annual Conscientious Company Report.

The latest sustainability report presents results of the company’s sustainability efforts in four areas: organic integrity, responsible agriculture, Fair Trade impact, and advancement towards the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for the fiscal year 2023.

Based in Amado, Arizona, Wholesum is grower and shipper of Fair Trade Certified organic fresh vegetables.

“With a value-driven culture propelling us, we have no doubt in our potential to continue improving in our use of energy and natural resources, the development of sustainable solutions, and in the contribution we make to the world,” Ricardo Crisantes, co-owner and chief commercial officer, said in a news release.

Some of the accomplishments highlighted in the report are:

• More than 2 million biological organisms produced in-house to support organic production and Integrated Pest Management.
• 41% of energy used at Wholesum’s distribution center in Nogales, AZ comes from solar, reducing reliance on non-renewable sources.
• The recirculation of 29% of water used for irrigation at Wholesum’s Arizona farming site.
• More than $15,000 in charitable contributions, including $10,000 in product scan-backs for Whole Foods Markets’ Whole Kids Foundation, funding edible learning gardens for students.
• $1.2 million generated in Fair Trade Community Development Funds, supporting health, education, community infrastructure and housing projects.
• More than $10 million generated in Community Development Funds in 11 years of the Fair Trade program, leading to substantial community impact.
• More than 50% of inputs used across the family farms are now renewable.

Unique to the report is a focus on the initiatives that individuals within the company have taken to propel these results.

“From harnessing solar energy, to producing biological insects, to finding new ways to connect with youth and the community, 2023 holds many examples of individuals and teams unlocking new possibilities for innovation and sustainable growth,” Crisantes said in the release. “Each of our collaborators possesses a unique perspective and skillset that is valuable in solving complex problems.”

Since 2016, Wholesum has released its Conscientious Company Report annually remaining accountable in their efforts towards improved sustainability year after year. The company summarizes these efforts and shares them with the stakeholder community through this report.

A third-generation family farming operation based in southern Arizona with more than 90 years of farming experience, Wholesum grows 100% organic certified tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, squash and eggplant.

Read more about Wholesum’s efforts here.