Bon Appétit Managment Pushes Sustainability on Tomato Farmers

Bon Appétit Management Company, one of the countries largest food service companies had decided to boycott tomato growers in southern Florida if they do not change their standards for workers. Appalled by the near slavery-like conditions of the tomato harvesters, Bon Appétit has stated they will not purchase the Florida tomatoes, which they use in winter, if the workers are not paid a fair, living wage. Workers are currently paid 45 cents per 32 lb. basket, the same wage as 30 years ago.

Watch this related interview from Eat Well Guide below.

While many people think the sustainable food movement has solely to do with food, environment, and processing, a large part is fair treatment for workers. Bon Appétit, along with stores like Whole Foods and others, are starting to work this idea of fair treatment into their philosophies. Bon Appétit is really taking it to a larger, nation-wide level this time, and says it will ban all tomatoes from south Florida in sandwiches, salads, soups, and other products if the growers do not change their ways. I say good for them! They consider this new set of standards a “rough draft” towards the future of fair farming.

To read a full article on the issue, see The Washington Post.