IFPA names first-ever vice president of sustainability

The International Fresh Produce Association has promoted its director of sustainability to the organization’s first-ever vice president of sustainability.

Tamara Muruetagoiena joined IFPA in April 2022 and helped establish the importance of the produce and floral industry taking the lead in sustainability efforts of fresh and food systems, according to a news release.

“When Tamara joined our team, it was a reflection of the importance of providing member resources and guidance for and on behalf of industry on sustainability,” Max Teplitski, IFPA chief science officer, said in the release. “We’re thrilled that she’ll be taking on this elevated role.  This reflects not only the global need for produce and floral’s role in creating more a more sustainable industry but also her stellar leadership in the area throughout her career in the industry.” 

In her new role, Muruetagoiena will lead IFPA’s efforts supported by the USDA Climate-Smart Pilots project, in addition to other new and established initiatives. Muruetagoiena also serves as the co-chair of the Consumer Goods Forum’s Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative, which is working to benchmark global sustainability standards.   

“Since joining IFPA, Tamara has been vital to creating, capturing and sharing the sustainability and climate-smart practices we are developing as an industry,” Ed Treacy, IFPA vice president of supply chain, said. “Tamara’s expertise in leading sustainability efforts along with her in-depth knowledge of carbon credits, green financing and more has allowed the association to elevate and amplify our sustainability efforts and influence to create a sustainable produce and floral supply chain.”   

Prior to joining IFPA, Muruetagoiena led Great Mountain Forest in promoting conservation and sustainable forestry, served as a senior global manager in sustainability and R&D at Driscoll’s and served as a policy advisor to the European Union Parliament.   

“Sustainability is an issue of vital importance to IFPA members and the global produce and floral community, which is why we’ve invested in growing our resources and expertise in this space,” IFPA CEO Cathy Burns said. “Tamara’s excellent leadership on a variety of sustainability topics has provided more value to our members and opened doors for IFPA and our industry, such as her serving as chair of the Consumer Goods Forum Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative environmental benchmarking group to ensure produce and floral is represented and heard at these tables

“Through the combination of her background, expertise and her passion of sustainability, Tamara has elevated our industry and IFPA to become a transformative influence on global sustainability conversations and initiatives.” 

Muruetagoiena holds a master’s degree in forest science from Yale, an MBA and international marketing diploma from University of California at Berkeley and ESEUNE Business School and a bachelor’s from Washington State University. Her work will be supported by Sophie Marques, coordinator of grant-funded projects, and Wendy Logan, manager in traceability and sustainability.