California Giant Berry Farms Announces Second Strawberry Supplier’s Sustainability Certification; Joe Barsi and Justin Kosta Detail

WATSONVILLE, CA - Another one is in the bag for California Giant Berry Farms, as it recently gained its second strawberry supplier’s sustainability certification. The grower received the Sustainably Grown certification for its strategic strawberry grower-partner Wysiwyg Farms from SCS Global Services.

Joe Barsi, President, California Giant Berry Farms“As leaders in agriculture, we take our commitment to protecting our most precious natural resources seriously because our futures depend on it,” said Joe Barsi, President of California Giant. “We are constantly challenging ourselves and our growers to find the best ways to reduce water usage, improve air quality, and support the ecosystems in our growing areas and beyond. The recent certification of Wysiwyg Farms demonstrates our commitment to farming for the future and aligns with our strategic sustainability goals.”

SCS is an internationally recognized third-party certification leader. Watsonville, California-based Wysiwyg Farms is reportedly the second strawberry operation in the world to achieve this prestigious certification, following another grower-partner of California Giant, Satsuma Farms, who was the first.

California Giant Berry Farms recently gained its second strawberry supplier’s sustainability certification

Deeply rooted in the stewardship of the land, California Giant’s strategic plan adheres to a triple bottom line approach to sustainability of People, Planet, and Profit. The company noted its goal is to home in on the three pillars of the triple bottom line and ensure all aspects of sustainable agriculture are being served with intent and attention to better serve our customers and the community.

Justin Kosta, Director of Sustainability, California Giant Berry Farms“Working with our existing domestic and international growers to achieve sustainability certifications demonstrates California Giant’s commitment to pursuing an equity-based business model, which we hope will become the gold standard in the berry industry. California Giant strives to be at the forefront of sustainability, resiliency, and social responsibility,” added Justin Kosta, Director of Sustainability at California Giant.

For grower-partner Wysiwyg Farms, sustainability simply makes sense. Recent years have shown a marked increase in buyer and consumer interest in produce grown sustainably, with an emphasis on equitable social practices. This certification further exemplifies Wysiwyg Farms’ founding principles of good stewardship of the land.

SCS is an internationally recognized third-party certification leader, and Wysiwyg Farms is one of only a few strawberry operations in the world to achieve this prestigious certification

California Giant has no intention to slow its sustainability plans. The company will continue to increase sustainability certifications for more of its growers over the next few years.