The Kroger Co. has announced an initiative to enhance sustainability and protect biodiversity within its fresh produce supply chain. By 2028 for medium to large growers, and 2030 for small growers, Kroger will require all its fresh produce suppliers to adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices.
Lisa Zwack, head of sustainability for Kroger, emphasized the company’s reliance on a robust agricultural supply chain and articulated Kroger’s evolving sustainability and resource conservation approach.
“We depend on a healthy and resilient agriculture supply chain to keep bringing fresh, affordable food to more of America,” she said in a statement. “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.”
The initiative is part of Kroger’s community impact strategy, Thriving Together, and aims to reduce pesticide use, thereby significantly improving pollinator health outcomes. This objective complements Kroger’s ongoing efforts in conserving natural resources, including commitments to seafood sustainability and no-deforestation policies.
Kroger: Collaboration and roadmap to compliance
Kroger collaborated with the Sustainable Food Group, a division of the IPM Institute of North America, to establish this sustainability goal and the compliance roadmap. In formulating the policy, Kroger engaged in consultations with current best practices and conducted interviews with suppliers, ensuring that the goal is both impactful and achievable.
To comply with Kroger’s new policy, suppliers are expected to obtain one of several recognized certifications, such as Bee Better, Certified Sustainably Grown, Fair Trade USA, GLOBAL G.A.P., Rainforest Alliance, USDA Organic, or their international equivalents.
Looking ahead, Kroger is committed to further expanding its focus on sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and conservation. The retailer plans to conduct a supply chain biodiversity risk assessment, pilot biodiversity metrics with various crop suppliers, and undertake targeted climate risk assessments within its supply chain.
