Portland, OR – The Sustainable Food Trade Association (SFTA) added four new members to its roster in the last quarter of 2012 bringing the total to almost 60 companies. The new members were EcoTeas (Ashland, OR), Guayaki (Sebastapol, CA), Hanover Consumer Coop (Hanover, NH), and Stonyfield Farm (Londonderry, NH).
The growth in membership shows the continued desire of organic food companies to integrate sustainability into the full realm of their business operations.Each member company commits to working toward improvement in 11action areas including organics, climate change, energy, distribution, labor, packaging, water, waste, animal care, education, and governance.
Additionally, the desire to access industry information and collaborate has been a driving factor for many companies considering SFTA membership.
“Upon joining SFTA a flood gate of information and new ideas opened up to us,” said Amanda Charland, Sustainability Coordinator Hanover Consumer Coop. “Most importantly, SFTA is bringing people together to find solutions for the imminent issues that challenge our food system and we’re excited to be a part of that change!”
SFTA also announced its new Board of Directors serving a two-year term. Newly elected members include Britt Lundgren, Stonyfield Farm; Brionne (Bri) Saseen, Lundberg Family Farms; Isabelle Reining, Straus Family Creamery; and Tony White, Hanover Consumer Cooperative Society.
Nate Morr (organic and sustainability consultant) and Cecil Wright, Organic Valley were re-elected to the Board and will continue to serve with Jason Boyce, Nature’s Path; Shauna Sadowski, Annie’s; Jim Pierce, Oregon Tilth; Rebecca Thistlethwaite, Sustain Consulting; Natalie Reitman-White, Organically Grown Company; and Diana Crane, PCC Markets.
Departing the Board upon the completion of their terms are: Ron Leppert, Sundance Natural Foods; Kathy Larson, Frontier Natural Products Co-op; and Maureen Royal, Bridges Produce.
“We appreciate and thank our outgoing Board members and welcome our new and returning Board members who represent all the sectors of the organic industry. They bring a wealth of professional experience, expertise, and passion for sustainability and the organic food trade,” said Nate Schlachter, STFA Executive Director.
About Sustainable Food Trade Association
Sustainable Food Trade Association is a trade association for the organic food industry that represents close to 60 mission-aligned companies in North America. We provide support to our members in implementing innovative sustainable business practices across the supply chain, from farm to retail.
Source: Sustainable Food Trade Association