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“The fresh produce industry is the most important industry of all: we can survive without mobile phones, but we need safe food” – Stéphane Romero-Cortell

We are pleased to present a remarkable interview with Stéphane Romero-Cortell, the ECOCERT Mexico Representative; a pioneer and world leader in organic and sustainability certifications that started its operations in Europe and has now been operating in Mexico for three years.

Stéphane shares with us some of his experience in this sense of organic certifications and his perception of the industry in general; he envisions in the short term the incursion of more sustainable, organic, and regenerative agricultural models as a potential for the fresh produce industry.

1. Could you tell us a bit about your professional background?

I hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration and International Business from EDHEC in Lille, France, my home country. During my studies, I had the privilege of living in Mexico for a year.  After gaining experience in the retail sector across various product categories, I worked as a consultant in management and project management for multinational companies spanning different industries. Then, when ECOCERT offered me the opportunity to lead their Mexico subsidiary, I didn’t hesitate for a second. Ever since my student year here, I’ve longed to return to magical Mexico. It’s worth noting that I even based my thesis on organic wine, so joining ECOCERT’s mission felt like a natural fit.

For a little over three years now, I’ve served as the Country Manager at ECOCERT Mexico. One of my key projects has been to make certification of the Mexican organic standard mandatory for selling organic products within Mexico. We have supported major players like COSTCO and LaComer in ensuring compliance across their global supply chains.

2. What services does ECOCERT Mexico offer?

ECOCERT has a rich history as a pioneer in organic standards. Our founders were visionary farmers who championed a shift toward a more sustainable world. They created the ECOCERT organic standard, which significantly influenced the French organic standard and subsequently the European organic standard—both of which are now fully public standards. Over time, our global reach has positioned us as the world leader in organic certification, both in terms of the number of certificates issued and the recognition of their quality.

Our extensive portfolio covers a wide range of organic standards. Specifically for Mexico, we primarily offer certification for the LPO (Mexican organic law), NOP USDA, and EOS (European organic standard)—the latter soon to be replaced by the new regulation 848. Additionally, we have equivalences with other international standards, including COR (Canada), JAS (Japan), Biosuisse, Naturland, Demeter, Brazil, Korea, and China.

In terms of sustainable agriculture, we also certify other international standards focused on the countryside. Notable examples include GlobalG.A.P. and its various add-ons, Rainforest Alliance; or ROC (regenerative organic agriculture) certification—an advanced and rigorous standard for the agricultural sector.

Beyond agriculture, our expertise extends to other sectors as well. We specialize in fair trade issues through certifications like Fair For Life and UEBT. In the realm of cosmetics, we offer certifications for organic and natural cosmetics (COSMOS). Our commitment to sustainability also encompasses organic textiles (GOTS), recycled textiles (GRS), responsible forest management and supply chains (FSC), and even carbon footprint certification (Climate Neutral Certified).

3. How important do you consider the global fresh produce industry?

It is the most important industry. While we can survive without mobile phones, safe food is an absolute necessity. Fresh food serves as an indispensable nutritional cornerstone within our food pyramid. At the same time, its management is complicated, and even more so in the context of climate change that is affecting us. However, managing this industry is complex, especially in the context of climate change. Unfortunately, the importance and value attributed to fresh food and its growers remain disproportionately low. As we transition toward sustainability, it’s time to shift our paradigm: growers deserve top priority. Fresh food isn’t just sustenance; it’s health and life. And when it’s safe and organic, its value multiplies even further!

4. From your experience, how important do you consider food safety certifications to be, and how have they evolved in recent years?

Food Safety certifications play a pivotal role in product marketing. Consumers increasingly demand guarantees, which food safety certifications—such as GlobalG.A.P—provide. These certifications are a prerequisite for accessing higher-paying markets. While food safety certifications alone don’t guarantee success, lacking them automatically closes doors.

An intriguing trend in food safety certification involves the emergence of “add-ons.” These additional requirements address specific topics and aim to rectify flaws in certain agricultural models. For instance, GRASP focuses on social issues, while SPRING promotes sustainable water use. These voluntary “add-ons” not only enhance compliance but also drive remarkable improvements in overall operational quality. Take SPRING, which encourages water conservation. Rather than hindrances, these requirements present growth opportunities. At ECOCERT, we champion this approach in our certification processes, emphasizing holistic quality enhancement and continuous improvement of farms.

5. What are the main challenges facing the agricultural industry today?

The fresh produce industry faces several critical challenges, and climate change stands out as a formidable adversary. As we witness shifting weather patterns, the very foundation of agriculture—our soils—is at risk. Intensive farming practices, while aiming for high yields, are inadvertently depleting Mexican soils, rendering them infertile. Alarming scientific projections suggest that up to one-third of Mexican soils could lose their fertility within just three years.

In response, regenerative agriculture emerges as a promising model for a sustainable transition. By nurturing organic matter and enhancing soil health, regenerative practices offer hope. However, this transformation requires both time and financial investment.

Consumer awareness plays a pivotal role. Empowering consumers to make informed choices through their purchases can drive positive change. Additionally, governments must prioritize farmers, providing support and resources for their transition to sustainable practices. Investments tied to good agricultural practices, coupled with robust training and knowledge dissemination, will be essential in this journey toward a healthier, more resilient agricultural sector.

6. How important do you think it is for food growers to focus on sustainability, and what benefits does it have on their profitability?

The emphasis on sustainability is paramount for food growers, especially in today’s saturated market. It serves as a powerful differentiator and an additional commercial advantage. Take organic products, for instance—the average premium paid for them is approximately 10%. However, the benefits extend beyond price considerations; sustainability offers significant opportunities for cost savings through optimal resource utilization.

Consider the following examples:

1. Reducing Agrochemical Use: When growers successfully minimize or eliminate the use of agrochemicals, they not only contribute to environmental health but also reduce costs. Agrochemicals can be expensive, and their judicious management positively impacts profitability.
2. Water Efficiency: Water, a precious and increasingly scarce resource, plays a crucial role. Implementing efficient water-saving methods is essential. Regenerative agriculture, in particular, fosters the generation of organic matter, which enhances water retention. Cover crops further limit evaporation, ensuring sustainable water use.

In summary, sustainability isn’t just a catchword—it’s a strategic imperative that enhances both environmental stewardship and growers’ bottom lines.

7. What are the main trends you observe in consumers and their interest in sustainability in international markets?

The main trend I observe is that everyone looks forward and talks about sustainability, but not everyone fully comprehends its essence.

While the term “sustainability” is widely used, it has occasionally been misused for greenwashing by certain companies. Fortunately, international labels play a crucial role in raising consumer awareness and enabling them to discern authentic certifications. Additionally, public policies are emerging to regulate terminology—for instance, the European Commission’s stringent control over the use of “carbon neutral.”

An encouraging development is the behavior of young consumers aged 18-30. Despite having lower purchasing power, they actively choose organic and sustainable products.

These conscientious individuals willingly pay a premium, recognizing that their purchases contribute to environmental, social, and economic betterment for growers. As this trend persists, we anticipate a growing percentage of the population demanding certified sustainable products. 🌿🌎

8. What new projects is ECOCERT currently working on?

A project that has always been very important to me is consumer awareness. We have regularly reinforced our impact through conferences, workshops with students, talks with public institutions, free webinars, and events such as the Common Ground Premier in Culiacan. We seek to defend more sustainable, organic, regenerative agricultural systems, and all farmers who have these processes! I firmly believe that we are not just any company: our global position in the agricultural sector gives us a voice and a responsibility towards the ecological transition.

In addition, we have diversified our impact to serve other sectors. For example, we have started to offer FSC certification, to enable a more sustainable wood supply chain. We also have a growing interest from our customers to reduce their carbon footprint and we are accompanying them on this path.

9. How do you envision the agricultural sector in the next 10 years? And what will be the trends that will have an impact?

Predicting the future of the agricultural sector is challenging, especially given the unpredictable variable of climate change. However, several trends are likely to shape its trajectory:

1. Regenerative Agriculture: Soil regeneration will become a critical focus. I believe it’s a necessary condition for the survival of Mexican and global soils. Practices that restore soil health will be essential for long-term sustainability.
2. Ancestral Practices: Agricultural models will increasingly draw inspiration from ancestral practices. These time-tested methods hold the key to regeneration. For instance, Mexico’s milpa system—a harmonious blend of crops—can serve as a global inspiration.
3. Monoculture Shift: The dominance of monoculture may diminish or even disappear. Diversified cropping systems will gain prominence, enhancing resilience and ecological balance.
4. Reduced Petrochemical Use: As global oil reserves decline, derivatives like petrochemical fertilizers will see reduced usage. Sustainable alternatives will take center stage.

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Certainly! Sustainability discussions often focus on social, environmental, and economic aspects—critical pillars that resonate with many. However, I’d like to emphasize another equally vital dimension: health.

When I engage with students, my consistent message is this: prioritize organic or sustainable products in your diet. Not only does this support fair compensation for growers, but it also directly impacts your health. By consuming these products, you’re investing in your well-being and potentially reducing future medical expenses.

To farmers, I stress that the primary motivation for adopting organic practices or minimizing agrochemical use should be personal and family health. Whether they choose to certify their practices or not, embracing sustainability benefits everyone. And remember, at ECOCERT, we’re always here to assist!