February 14, 2024
Whole Foods market unveils new pollinator health policy for fresh produce and floral
Whole Foods Market, which operates in the US, Canada and UK has announced a new pollinator policy for its Fresh Produce and Floral purchasing to support pollinators, in recognition of the critical role they play in our food system and the environment. The company has long championed pollinator health through its commitment to organic agriculture, which prohibits toxic persistent pesticides.
As part of the new pollinator policy, by 2025, the company will:
- Require all fresh produce and floral growers to implement an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system, which prioritizes preventative and biological pest control measures and reduces the need for chemical pesticides.
- Prohibit the use of nitroguanidine neonicotinoids (clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam) in all potted plants they sell.
- Encourage all fresh produce and floral suppliers to phase out the use of nitroguanidine neonicotinoids.
In addition to honeybees, Whole Foods Market recognizes native pollinators, such as bumble bees, wasps and butterflies, are critical to the food system and an important indicator of biodiversity.
“We understand the important role pollinators play in our food system and, through this policy, will build on our long legacy of supporting biodiversity and pollinator health,” said Karen Christensen, senior vice president, Perishables & Quality Standards at Whole Foods Market. “This is another critical step forward in our journey of climate-smart agriculture as part of our purpose to nourish people and the planet.”