A joint roadmap to a sustainable fruit and vegetable sector
We drive sustainability within fresh fruit and vegetable supply chains
The Sustainability Initiative Fruit and Vegetables (SIFAV) is a membership-based initiative coordinated by IDH, that aims to actively contribute to more sustainable fresh fruit and vegetable supply chains globally. SIFAV unites private companies, civil society organisations and voluntary standards active in the fresh fruit and vegetable sector. The SIFAV 2025 strategy is centred around three sustainability programs: environment, social and due diligence.
Private companies, civil society organisations and voluntary standards
Sustainability programs
How we work
SIFAV drives collaborative action by creating a level playing field, by setting joint targets and by developing credible tools, policies, and approaches in working groups and with the support of experts.
Partners work on concrete actions towards reaching the different SIFAV targets in several working groups. Moreover, regular learning exchange sessions are organized on key topics.
Strategic Partnerships
SIFAV works with key experts for advice and guidance on sustainability topics and for the implementation of sustainable projects on the ground.
Policies and Tools
Co-creation of tools like the environmental footprinting toolkit as well as joint development of sector policies e.g. the baskets of social and water standards.
Joint Projects
Joint innovative and inclusive projects that result in improved working conditions, wages, livelihoods and environment are eligible for IDH co-funding.
Reporting and Analysis
Baseline studies and benchmarks provide a comparison base for SIFAV partners. SIFAV partners report on a yearly basis on their progress toward reaching the 2025 targets.
Meet the SIFAV Scretariat
The SIFAV secretariat is hosted by IDH. The secretariat is in charge of managing the day to-day business of the initiative. Get in touch with us directly for all of your questions about the initiative.
Coen Frederiks
Overall program management, Program Manager, Fruit & Vegetables.
Astrid Baeten
Social and due diligence, Program Manager, Agri Commodities.
Cristina Arribas Jiménez
Environment,
Program Officer
Meet the SIFAV Steering Comittee
The SIFAV steering committee is the highest governance body of SIFAV. The steering committee members are elected by the SIFAV partners and represent the different membership categories. They meet four times a year and take strategic decisions on the SIFAV programs.
Maria Oliveira
Sustainability Manager, Primeale United
Jeroen Kroezen
Corporate Partnership Manager, Solidaridad
Frederic Rosseneu
Business Development Manager, Greenyard Group
Karen Janssens
Expert Sustainable Sourcing, Colruyt Group
Pete Pearson
Senior Director, Food Loss and Waste, WWF
Sonia Cordera
Chair of the Roadmap on Living Wages Steering Committee; Deputy Director at IDH
Stefanie Vermaesen
SIFAV Chair & Senior Advisor Sustainable Business, Nature’s Pride
Cindy Verhoeven
CSR Manager, Superunie
Laura Jungman
Director of Sustainability Albert Heijn
Our History
- 2012 SIVAF 2020 Strategy Foundation
- 2020 85% Sustainably sourced volumes
- 2021 SIVAF 2025 Strategy Launch
- 2023 First SIFAV progress report
SIFAV was created in 2012 with the purpose to scale up sustainable production within the fresh fruit and vegetable sector. The main target of the SIFAV 2020 program was to reach 100% sustainable sourcing by 2020 through certification and verification. The initiative started with 13 companies and grew considerably over the course of the program.
At the closure of the 2020 program, SIFAV counted over 40 partners and achieved a share of 85% sustainably sourced volumes.
In 2021, SIFAV launched its new 2025 strategy which builds on the learnings of the first SIFAV program and has a clear focus on reducing the environmental footprint across the supply chain, strengthening due diligence reporting and transparency, in addition to social themes.
