Wholesum spotlights a year of bold impact in sustainability, development and advancement
Wholesum released its 2024 Conscientious Company Report, titled People, Power, Progress. This annual report is a comprehensive reflection of the company’s values in action, from environmental innovation to human empowerment. The company said the report demonstrates its commitment to responsible agriculture.
“Reflecting on 2024, we see a year defined not only by tangible achievements, but by the company’s enduring values and remarkable people behind them,” said Ricardo and Theojary (Theo) Crisantes Jr., brothers, co-owners and executive leaders at Wholesum. “This report transcends data and is a reflection of our shared vision, principled leadership and the collective momentum driving us toward a more sustainable and purposeful future.”
Highlights from the 2024 Report:
People on the Move: Growing the Next Generation of Leaders
- The launch of NextGen Academy, a homegrown leadership development initiative designed by employees to prepare emerging leaders within the company.
- Jose Covarrubias, general manager at Wholesum Farms Arizona, participated in Western Growers’ prestigious Future Volunteer Leaders Program, representing the company’s commitment to advocacy and cross-industry collaboration.
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Power of Innovation: Smart Agriculture & Renewable Energy
- A major leap in biocontrol technology at Wholesum Farms Arizona improved pest management while empowering employees through transparent performance tracking.
- Expansion of solar-powered trolleys and carts, reducing energy use and increasing efficiency in greenhouse operations.
- 58 percent renewable energy utilization at Wholesum Farms Sonora, and ongoing work to restore and improve systems at other sites.
Progress for Communities: Fair Trade and Impact-Driven Partnerships
- Over $726,000 in Fair Trade funds reinvested in community health, transportation, and education programs.
- Wholesum Farms Sonora hosted its largest-ever Preventative Health Campaign – the biggest in the company and region’s history, benefiting over 950 participants with health screenings, workshops and follow-up care plans.
- Expanded workforce transportation program, replacing 89 individual cars with shared shuttles, reducing 966,102 pounds of CO₂ emissions.
Organic Integrity at Scale
- Over 61 million pounds of 100 percent organic produce delivered to market.
- In-house production of 360 pounds of organic seed and the production and release of over 2.3 million ladybugs and 970,000 parasitoid wasps as part of advanced biological control efforts.
Sustainability with Purpose
- 63 tons of carton and 82 tons of metal recycled.
- 40 native plants restored in local ecosystems.
- Water-use efficiency continues to advance at greenhouse sites, using only five gallons per pound of tomato production, up to four times more efficient than field-grown tomatoes.
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Championing the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Wholesum’s efforts directly support the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals, with a focused impact on:
- SDG 5: Gender Equality — with 42 percent female representation company-wide and targeted efforts to increase leadership representation at production sites.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — renewable inputs reached 65.6 percent in 2024, with significant gains in raw and packaging materials.
“From fair wages to fair trade, from greenhouse innovation to grassroots community projects, our report shows how real progress happens when people are empowered,” said Vanessa Cordova Hernandez, people and culture manager. “We’re not just growing food. We’re growing futures.”
As a third-generation family farming operation, Wholesum has long believed that transparency, equity and stewardship are essential to a thriving agricultural system. With farms in both the U.S. and Mexico, and a heritage of over 90 years in farming, Wholesum continues to demonstrate that ethical and sustainable business practices can go hand in hand with innovation and growth. “We invite our partners, consumers, and fellow growers to walk with us on this path and power progress together,” said Ricardo Crisantes.
The full report can be found on Wholesum’s website at the following link: CCR 2024.
Source: www.andnowuknow.com
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