The board of directors of Equitable Foods Initiative, a multi-stakeholder workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farm workers, retailers and consumer groups, has named Pete Donlon as a new board member. Donlon, VP of Misionero, will fill the seat recently vacated by Vic Smith of JV Smith Cos.
The EFI board includes balanced representation from each part of the fresh produce supply chain.
“Pete is the perfect person to represent grower-shippers on the board of directors,” said Peter O’Driscoll, executive director of EFI. “He has helped shape the EFI program as a member of the standards committee and an early adopter of our certification. We are thrilled to welcome Pete and know he will be a great asset, ensuring the EFI program remains relevant and adds value for growers.”
Prior to joining Misionero in 2015, Donlon spent 26 years at Earthbound Farm, where his relationship with EFI was formed. He has been on the EFI Standards Committee since 2018 and helped Misionero achieve EFI certifications at two of their packing facilities.
When asked about his reasons for joining the EFI board, Donlon remarked, “I’m a longtime champion of the ideals set forth by EFI and believe that it sets new levels of assurance for the industry.” Donlon also noted that “like Misionero, EFI sees social responsibility and transparency as true value propositions, and I’m honored to serve on its board.”
Donlon has vocal about the continuous improvement needed to sustain the produce industry long-term and about his alignment with EFI’s efforts.
“The two largest impacts Misionero experienced while earning and maintaining our EFI certifications were increased communication with our workforce and greater accountability,” he shared. “With open communication at all levels, more information is being shared which helps us get ahead and identify natural growth paths for our people and processes. The worker-manger collaborative team ensures accountability across the organization and identifies areas where we need to improve.”
