Testa Produce Brings Sustainability to Chicago Area

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Testa Produce, Green, Sustainability

Testa Produce is proud to announce that it is a founding participant in Greener Fields Together, a groundbreaking, industry-wide sustainability and local produce initiative launched on October 2. The foodservice industry’s first comprehensive, national farm-to-fork sustainability program, Greener Fields Together has two primary goals: to create and commit to continuous sustainability improvements at each touch point in the produce supply chain, and to ensure the availability and safety of local produce for operators in all segments. Administered by PRO*ACT, the nation’s leading supplier of fresh produce to the foodservice industry, Greener Fields Together is being brought to market through PRO*ACT’s national network of independently owned distributor partners, including Testa Produce in Chicago and surrounding markets.

Beginning with farmers, Greener Fields Together targets and will measure “green” activities in areas including energy use, water and waste management, pesticide/herbicide use, packaging, and transportation. Farmers large and small partnering with PRO*ACT at the national level and Testa Produce at the local level will be expected to make continuous improvements in these and other areas. Independent third-party audits will verify that positive steps are being taken.

Participating distributors have also pledged to make continuous sustainability improvements and to build long-term partnerships with local farms—including financially supporting local farmers’ food safety education and certification efforts.

“We’re committed to bringing top-quality, safe local produce to market, and we’ve long been known for our industry-leading approach to sustainability. Our new LEED Platinum-certified distribution center is a testament to that,” says Peter Testa, president of Testa Produce. “Greener Fields Together helps us to extend that commitment all the way back through the produce supply chain, as well as forward to our customers, for whom sustainability and local produce safety have also become top priorities. It’s a comprehensive, innovative initiative – the first of its kind in the nation – and we’re excited to be a part of it. We encourage our customers to embrace it, as well.”

Hospitality operators are eligible to become part of the initiative and display the Greener Fields Together emblem. This represents their commitment to the Greener Fields Together produce supply chain and to continuous sustainability improvements in their operations.