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by Kimberly Ho, Sustainability Lead at DiMuto
There is an increasing urgency for agrifood businesses to embrace sustainable sourcing. During a recent sustainability webinar, I shared insights on how green sourcing is not only reshaping the industry but is also a vital part of addressing some of the world’s biggest challenges, like climate change, labor rights, and economic inequality.
Green sourcing represents a powerful way forward, enabling companies to tackle these issues directly, while also driving efficiency and resilience. I’ve seen firsthand how adopting green sourcing can have transformative benefits for both the planet and the bottom line.
What Green Sourcing Really Means for Agrifood
But first, we must understand what green sourcing really means. It is more than “going green”—it’s about committing to an ethos of responsibility and resilience. In my experience, the most impactful green sourcing strategies look at sustainability holistically. It’s about examining the full life cycle of a product, from how it’s grown to how it’s transported, and ensuring that each step aligns with environmental, social, and economic goals.
Green sourcing means reducing the impact of production and transport on our planet. Currently, food systems account for nearly 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Thus, sourcing sustainable, such as by conserving resources like water and energy, protecting biodiversity, cutting waste, and lowering carbon emissions, helps ensure we’re not depleting resources faster than they can renew, leaving a healthier planet for future generations.
Furthermore, green sourcing respects the rights and well-being of people within the supply chain. It’s about fair wages, safe working conditions, and supporting community development. By ensuring human rights protections and transparency, green sourcing upholds ethical standards that directly improve lives, especially in communities where labour rights are under protected.
Lastly, green sourcing strengthens supply chain resilience, making it better able to withstand economic shocks. It also creates efficiencies that reduce costs and aligns with regulatory requirements for sustainability. In the long run, sustainable sourcing builds lasting value, supporting both the business and the communities it depends on.
Ultimately, green sourcing reflects a commitment to responsible, forward-looking practices that benefit not only businesses but also the planet and people they impact.
How Green Sourcing Can be Achieved
Achieving green sourcing in the agrifood industry is about making intentional, thoughtful choices at every stage of the supply chain. For agrifood businesses, this starts with partnering with suppliers who prioritize sustainability—those who use water and energy efficiently, protect biodiversity, and support ethical labour practices. It also means reevaluating transportation methods, reducing food waste, and investing in eco-friendly packaging.
Personally, I see this as an opportunity for agrifood companies to make a meaningful impact on both the environment and the communities that sustain them. One of my ambitions is to help businesses embrace full transparency in their sourcing practices. Transparency not only holds everyone accountable but also builds trust with consumers who want to know their food choices support sustainable practices.