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 MRC 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 Stewardship Index for Specialty Crops is governed.

Coordinating Council

Environmental and Public Interest Groups

American Farmland Trust - Ed Thompson
Defenders of Wildlife - Sara O'Brien
Environmental Defense Fund - Belinda Morris (CC)
Natural Resources Defense Council - Jonathan Kaplan (CC, SC)
The Organic Center - Chuck Benbrook
World Wildlife Fund - David McLaughlin

(currently 2 NGO vacancies, nominations are being accepted by the Steering Committee)

Growers, Suppliers and Trade Associations

Community Alliance with Family Farmers - Dave Runsten
Jacobs Farm / DelCabo - Larry Jacobs
Farm Fresh Direct - Jim Knutzon
Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Association - Charles Hall
National Potato Council - John Keeling (CC, SC)
Torrey Farms - Maureen Torrey
United Fresh Produce Association - Burleson Smith
Washington Horticulture Association - Laura Mrachek
Western Growers - Hank Giclas (CC, SC)

Buyers and Trade Associations

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance - Allison Jordan (CC)
California League of Food Processors- Rob Neenan
Compass Group - Marc Zammit
Del Monte - Steve Balling
Food Marketing Institute - Jeanne von Zastrow
Heinz - Gary King 
Markon Cooperative - Tim York (SC)
Produce Marketing Association - Kathy Means (CC, SC)
Sodexo - Margaret Henry (CC)
SYSCO - Craig Watson (CC)
Unilever - David Pendlington 
Wal-Mart - Ron McCormick
Wegmans - Bill Pool

Additional Experts

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