One of the nation’s largest grocers wants to encourage growers to use fewer pesticides.
The Kroger Co., which operates numerous regional chains as well as Kroger stores, will require all of its fresh produce suppliers to use integrated pest management practices for all products supplied to Kroger by 2028 or 2030, based on the grower's size.
Medium- to large-sized growers will be expected to meet the goal by the end of 2028, and small-sized growers by 2030.
“We depend on a healthy and resilient agriculture supply chain to keep bringing fresh, affordable food to more of America,” Lisa Zwack, head of sustainability for Kroger, said in a release. “This new goal reflects Kroger's evolving approach to sustainability and resource conservation, including setting clear expectations with growers to support the transition to more sustainable fresh food production.”
Kroger worked with the Sustainable Food Group, a branch of IPM Institute of North America, to develop the goal and also consulted with suppliers to ensure the goal was achievable and would have an impact.
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The company said protecting biodiversity is an important part of Kroger's Thriving Together community impact strategy.
Suppliers can comply with the new goals by achieving one of the following certifications: Bee Better, Biodynamic, Certified Sustainably Grown, Equitable Food Initiative, Fair Trade International, Fair Trade USA, GLOBAL G.A.P., LEAF MARQUE, MPS-ABC, Rainforest Alliance, Regenerative Organic, Sustainable Food Group Sustainability Standard, and USDA Organic, or international equivalents.
Kroger also plans to undertake a biodiversity risk assessment for its supply chain as well as test biodiversity metrics with row crop and specialty crop suppliers. The company also plans to carry out targeted climate risk assessments within its supply chain.
The Cincinnati-based company operates nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states.
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