We recognize that the success of this effort is dependent upon acceptance by diverse stakeholders. To that end, we have encouraged broad participation in the development of project scope and specific metrics. Specialty crops stakeholders and experts are invited to join the Metrics Review Committee (MRC) to help develop, review and pilot metrics. Click here to join the MRC.

Click here for a list of MRC participants currently serving on metric workgroups.

The project is led by a Coordinating Council comprised of representatives from three key stakeholder groups plus additional experts. The Council strives to make decisions by consensus; when consensus is not possible, it requires a majority vote from each of the key stakeholder categories (buyers, suppliers, NGOs). A Communications Committee (CC) and a Steering Committee (SC) will help the Council implement the project. Click here to read more about the project's organizational structure.

Coordinating Council

Environmental and Public Interest Groups

American Farmland Trust - Ed Thompson
California Institute for Rural Studies - Ron Strochlic (CC, MRC)
California Rural Legal Assistance Foundation - Martha Aceves (MRC)
Community Alliance with Family Farmers - Dave Runsten (MRC)
Defenders of Wildlife - Sara O'Brien (MRC)
Environmental Defense Fund - Suzy Friedman (CC, MRC)
Natural Resources Defense Council - Jonathan Kaplan (CC, MRC, SC)
The Organic Center - Chuck Benbrook (MRC)
World Wildlife Fund - David McLaughlin (MRC)

Growers, Suppliers and Trade Associations

DelCabo - Larry Jacobs (MRC)
FreshSense - Blair Richardson (MRC)
Lodi Winegrape Commission - Cliff Ohmart (MRC)
National Potato Council - John Keeling (CC, MRC)
Produce Marketing Association - Kathy Means (CC)
United Fresh Produce Association - Robert Guenther (MRC)
Western Growers Association - Hank Giclas (CC, MRC, SC)
Wine Institute - Allison Jordan (CC, MRC)

Buyers and Trade Associations

Bon Appétit Management Company Foundation - Helene York (MRC)
Compass Group - Marc Zammit
Food Marketing Institute - Jeanne von Zastrow
Heinz - Ross Siragusa (MRC)
Markon Cooperative - Tim York (SC)
Sam's Club - Jerry Hull
Sodexo - Arlin Wasserman (CC)
SYSCO - Craig Watson (CC)
Unilever - David Pendlington
Wal-Mart - Ron McCormick
Wegmans - Bill Pool (MRC)

Additional Experts

SureHarvest - Jeff Dlott (MRC, SC)
Sustainable Food Lab - Hal Hamilton (SC)
University of Arkansas - Marty Matlock