As global attention turns to COP30 in Brazil, the International Fresh Produce Association is intensifying efforts to embed sustainability across the produce and floral sectors, aligning industry action with global climate priorities.

As global preparations intensify for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) is amplifying its commitment to sustainability through a coordinated series of global initiatives designed to solidify the fresh produce and floral sectors as key stakeholders in climate resilience.

With its sights set on influencing the global climate agenda, IFPA is engaging industry leaders, global collaborators, and policymakers to integrate sustainable practices across the entire value chain.

The organization’s latest activities were highlighted during São Paulo Climate Week, where IFPA continued building momentum from the Brazil Conference held in August.

That event drew record participation from fresh fruit and vegetable stakeholders, showcasing the sector’s growing alignment with environmental objectives.

“Fresh produce is a powerful climate solution and the energy and innovation I saw in São Paulo were undeniable,” said IFPA Vice President of Sustainability Tamara Muruetagoiena.

This year marks IFPA’s third consecutive participation in the United Nations Climate Change Conference. As COP30 nears, the association is working to ensure the sector’s voice is present not just in conversations about emissions and biodiversity, but as an example of nature-positive solutions.

According to Muruetagoiena, “With all eyes on Belem, Brazil for COP30 in November, IFPA saw an opportunity to showcase fresh produce and floral as a key part in creating a more resilient food system worldwide.”

The next phase in IFPA’s roadmap includes several high-profile engagements aimed at sharpening focus on practical sustainability outcomes. On September 16, the organization will host the Australian Sustainability Summit in Melbourne, bringing together growers, marketers, retailers, and solution providers.

Topics will include regenerative agriculture, circular packaging, climate resilience, and sustainability reporting. Muruetagoiena is also set to provide an exclusive preview of the IFPA Global Sustainability Framework, a new guidance tool designed to steer the industry toward unified climate action, sustainable growth, and ecosystem stewardship.

Following Australia, IFPA will join other global stakeholders at Climate Week NYC, held September 21-28.

There, the organization will interface with initiatives led by the Consumer Goods Forum, Rainforest Alliance, ReFED, the Regen House, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce—underscoring the association’s efforts to align with wider cross-industry platforms in climate and food system transformation.

One of the most critical upcoming milestones will be the October 15 collaborative session with the Consumer Goods Forum in Anaheim, California, held just prior to IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Show.

This meeting is designed to finalize implementation plans for the Global Sustainability Framework, with a focus on five strategic pillars:

• Sustainable packaging
• Regenerative agriculture
• Food loss and waste
• Social responsibility
• Climate change

Muruetagoiena emphasized that this momentum is a continuation of earlier joint work with the Consumer Goods Forum, particularly their development of environmental benchmarks specific to produce and floral.

These activities are not only aligned with COP30 but are embedded in IFPA’s broader strategic plan, which places climate preparedness and environmental resilience at the forefront of long-term industry viability.

“With climate and environmental changes continuing to happen at a rapid pace, we need to prioritize future-proofing our food systems, which is also part of IFPA’s strategic plan,” said Muruetagoiena.

In support of these objectives, IFPA continues to expand its educational and engagement tools.

A variety of resources focused on regenerative agriculture, including case studies, working group insights, and virtual town halls, are now available on the organization’s website.

These materials are designed to help members implement on-the-ground practices and strategies that contribute to both environmental outcomes and business resilience.

As the countdown to COP30 progresses, IFPA’s growing portfolio of global collaborations and member-driven programming positions the fresh produce and floral industry as not just a participant, but an active contributor to global climate solutions.

Through its sustainability framework and stakeholder engagement, IFPA is signaling a clear intent: to embed climate-smart practices throughout the supply chain and ensure that the voice of fresh produce remains central in the international conversation on food system transformation.