Key Takeaways:
- NatureSweet publishes its 16th annual Sustainability Report for FY2024
- Report emphasizes environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and governance goals
- Nearly 300 associates graduated from education programs, including diplomas and degrees
- Over 97% of workers earned livable wages above legal minimums
- Company cut carbon intensity by 10.96% and improved water efficiency by 5.85%
NatureSweet Publishes Annual Sustainability Report
NatureSweet, North America’s leading vertically integrated controlled environment agriculture company, has released its sixteenth annual Sustainability Report for fiscal year 2024. The report outlines the company’s environmental, social, and governance initiatives while reaffirming its mission to improve the lives of agricultural workers across North America.
Workforce Development and Education
A key highlight of the NatureSweet report is the expansion of its education programs. Nearly 300 associates earned elementary, middle, or high school diplomas, marking the highest number of graduates to date. The company’s bachelor’s degree program, launched in 2023, has already seen strong results, with over half of participants from the first two classes earning promotions.
Livable Wages and Worker Empowerment
The report states that over 97% of agricultural workers at NatureSweet received livable wages above the legal minimum, while more than 55,000 hours of training supported professional and personal growth. Leadership emphasized that empowered workers remain central to building a sustainable future.
NatureSweet's Environmental Stewardship Efforts
In FY2024, NatureSweet achieved measurable environmental goals. The company reported a 10.96% reduction in carbon intensity, a 5.85% improvement in water efficiency, and packaging improvements with 82% made from recycled materials. Additionally, conservation efforts protected more than 50 hectares of biodiversity in Jalisco, Mexico.
Community and Fair Trade Initiatives
NatureSweet’s Corporate Social Responsibility programs positively impacted over 231,500 people. Through its Fair Trade initiative, $1.9 million USD in premium funds were invested in living condition improvements for workers and their communities.
NatureSweet Looking Ahead
According to company leadership, NatureSweet plans to expand its impact in 2025, continuing to set benchmarks in sustainable agriculture and worker development. Read the full 2024 Sustainability Report here.
