ELLSWORTH, Maine – The Robinson Fresh® organics brand, Tomorrow’s® Organics, has committed to a three-year agreement with Sustainable Harvest International to help promote organic farming among family growers in Central America. Tomorrow’s Organics will help fund the efforts of this Maine-based nonprofit through an annual donations supported by carton sales of their organic produce.
In a region plagued by deforestation, soil erosion, and diminished economic opportunities, Sustainable Harvest International connects with families to implement sustainable, organic farming techniques that eliminate the need for slash-and-burn farming and improve families’ well-being.
“Tomorrow’s Organics alignment with Sustainable Harvest International is an essential mechanism to bring about positive economic change to these hard-working but impoverished families. It’s widely understood that healthy, thriving rainforests are imperative to keeping the air clean and healthy for every single one of us, around the globe,” said Hunter Winton, General Manager of Robinson Fresh, West Region. “Each purchase of Tomorrow’s Organics will help improve living and working conditions for those whose natural environments are compromised.”
Since their start in 1997, Sustainable Harvest International has restored 15,000 acres to farmable land, increased their program members’ agricultural income by an average of 23%, and worked with over 2,500 farm families.
"While our organization is small, we are making a big impact in the lives of individual farmers and on the planet. We commend Robinson Fresh for stepping up in a way that most companies don't—by using their profit for good on a global scale. We urge consumers to see the value of this charitable partnership and in turn, chose the Tomorrow's Organics brand when given the opportunity, " said Renée Johnson, Executive Director of Sustainable Harvest International.
For almost 20 years Tomorrow’s Organics has provided high quality, organic fruits and vegetables. Throughout 2016, Tomorrow’s Organics will enhance their customers’ retail programs to bring greater visibility to the Produce With a Purpose™ cause—helping farmers in under-privileged countries through the hands-on efforts of Sustainable Harvest International.
“One of the most compelling aspects of Sustainable Harvest International is their commitment to increase these families’ standard of living through training and ultimately, self-reliance. Families are able to learn new skills and apply them daily on their own farm,” said Ray Griffin, Director of Strategic Sourcing at Robinson Fresh.
About Sustainable Harvest International
Sustainable Harvest International, based in Ellsworth, provides farming families in Central America with the training and tools to preserve tropical forests while overcoming poverty. Since 1997, they've planted almost 4 million trees, worked with over 2,500 families, and converted over 17,617 acres to sustainably farmed land. For more information, visit www.sustainableharvest.org.
About Robinson Fresh®
Robinson Fresh got its start in the produce industry over 100 years ago, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to the settlers of North America. Today, Robinson Fresh is one of the largest produce companies in the world and offers the highest quality products. Robinson Fresh packs in many well-known private label and consumer brands as well as a full line of conventional and organic produce through a worldwide network of regional and local growers. For more information about Robinson Fresh, visit http://www.robinsonfresh.com.
