Sustainability Practices in the Branded Program - Food Export Association of the Midwest USA and Food Export USA

When you think of sustainability, what comes to mind? Most likely, it is a topic associated with the environment. And while ecological awareness is at the core of the sustainability umbrella, there is more to it. Sustainability is comprised of three pillars: environmental, economic, and social. Through these pillars, sustainability prompts us to consider our consumption and production patterns and the effect these have on the community at large.

At Food Export-Northeast & Food Export-Midwest, we have seen several companies within the Branded Program make changes to their business structures to incorporate sustainable practices. Among these practices are upcycling food scraps from manufacturing processes, reusing packaging that has been cleaned and sanitized, reducing water usage and waste streams, and planting trees in vulnerable and deforested areas.

However, the most common practice is the switch to sustainable packaging. Below is a list of popular food products that have experienced this switch:

Snack Foods – i.e., chips, cookies, nuts, etc.

Beverages

Pet Food & Treats

These companies have chosen packaging that is either recyclable or biodegradable. Whereas these methods have a direct effect on environmental well-being, they also result in social and economic implications by opening new business channels and opportunities that benefit the local community. As shown by these developments, sustainability entails a commitment to the well-being of current and future communities.

The Food Export Association is resolved to support companies that provide high value products in the face of environmental, economic, and social constraints. Therefore, efforts such as responsible packaging and labeling are expenses eligible for reimbursement through the Branded Program! We can reimburse up to 50% of the cost for packaging and labeling claims. Read this post for more details on how the Branded Program can assist you in the development of compliant labels and packaging.

If you are interested in joining the Branded Program, please contact the Branded Program team in your region or the liaison that covers your state to learn more. Also, since there is no graduation policy, you can return and use the program year after year.

For more information on sustainable food and agricultural production visit the U.S. Sustainability Alliance.

Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, familial/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity. (Not all bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodations or alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact us. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online https://www.ascr.usda.gov/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer.

Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast reserve the right to deny services to any firm or individual which, in the sole opinion of Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast, does not comply with FAS, MAP or Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast regulations or policies, or otherwise offer the best opportunity to achieve its mission of increasing food and agricultural exports. Submission of any false or misleading information may be grounds for rejection or subsequent revocation of any application or participation. Food Export–Midwest and Food Export–Northeast are equal opportunity employers and providers.