Story from Michigan Farm Bureau
Fresh produce suppliers who sell to Kroger will need to use Integrated Pest Management practices for all products by the end of 2028 in a move to “encourage growers to use less pesticides,” according to the company.
Small-sized growers will be expected to meet the goal by the end of 2030.
With nearly 2,800 stores in 35 states under two dozen banners and annual sales of more than $132.5 billion, Kroger is the largest traditional supermarket chain in the U.S.
Kroger announced the goal as part of its “Thriving Together” community impact strategy, saying it will “advance sustainability in its fresh produce supply chain, further protecting pollinators and biodiversity.”
Suppliers can comply 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
- USDA Organic, or international equivalents
According to the company, it worked with the Sustainable Food Group to develop the goal and roadmap to compliance, while consulting current best practices and interviewing suppliers to ensure the goal was both impactful and achievable.