Wholesum releases its “People, Power, Progress” report

AMADO, AZ, July 28, 2025 — Wholesum BB #:135847, a leading grower and shipper of 100% organic, Fair Trade Certified produce, proudly announces the release of its 2024 Conscientious Company Report, titled People, Power, Progress. This annual report is a comprehensive reflection of the company’s values in action, from environmental innovation to human empowerment. The report demonstrates Wholesum’s commitment to responsible agriculture.

“Reflecting on 2024, we see a year defined not only by tangible achievements, but by the company’s enduring values and remarkable people behind them,” said Ricardo and Theojary (Theo) Crisantes Jr., brothers, co-owners, and executive leaders at Wholesum. “This report transcends data and is a reflection of our shared vision, principled leadership, and the collective momentum driving us toward a more sustainable and purposeful future.”

Highlights from the 2024 report:

People on the Move: Growing the Next Generation of Leaders: The launch of NextGen Academy, a homegrown leadership development initiative designed by employees to prepare emerging leaders within the company; Jose Covarrubias, General Manager at Wholesum Farms Arizona, participated in Western Growers’ prestigious Future Volunteer Leaders Program, representing the company’s commitment to advocacy and cross-industry collaboration.

Power of Innovation: Smart Agriculture & Renewable Energy: A major leap in biocontrol technology at Wholesum Farms Arizona improved pest management while empowering employees through transparent performance tracking; expansion of solar-powered trolleys and carts, reducing energy use and increasing efficiency in greenhouse operations; and 58% renewable energy utilization at Wholesum Farms Sonora, and ongoing work to restore and improve systems at other sites.

Progress for Communities: Fair Trade and Impact-Driven Partnerships: Over $726,000 in Fair Trade funds reinvested in community health, transportation, and education programs; Wholesum Farms Sonora hosted its largest-ever Preventative Health Campaign – the biggest in the company and region’s history, benefitting over 950 participants with health screenings, workshops and follow-up care plans; expanded workforce transportation program, replacing 89 individual cars with shared shuttles, reducing 966,102 lbs of CO₂ emissions.

Organic Integrity at Scale: Over 61 million pounds of 100% organic produce delivered to market; in-house production of 360 lbs of organic seed and the production and release of over 2.3 million ladybugs and 970,000 parasitoid wasps as part of advanced biological control efforts.

Sustainability with Purpose: 63 tons of carton and 82 tons of metal recycled; 40 native plants restored in local ecosystems; Water-use efficiency continues to advance at greenhouse sites, using only 5 gallons per pound of tomato production, up to four times more efficient than field-grown tomatoes.

Championing the UN Sustainable Development Goals: Wholesum’s efforts directly support the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with a focused impact on– SDG 5: Gender Equality — with 42% female representation company-wide and targeted efforts to increase leadership representation at production sites; and SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production — renewable inputs reached 65.6% in 2024, with significant gains in raw and packaging materials.

“From fair wages to fair trade, from greenhouse innovation to grassroots community projects, our report shows how real progress happens when people are empowered,” said Vanessa Cordova Hernandez, People and Culture Manager. “We’re not just growing food. We’re growing futures.”

As a third-generation family farming operation, Wholesum has long believed that transparency, equity, and stewardship are essential to a thriving agricultural system. With farms in both the U.S. and Mexico, and a heritage of over 90 years in farming, Wholesum continues to demonstrate that ethical and sustainable business practices can go hand in hand with innovation and growth. “We invite our partners, consumers, and fellow growers to walk with us on this path and power progress together,” said Ricardo Crisantes.

The full report can be found on Wholesum’s website at the following link: CCR 2024

About Wholesum: Wholesum is a third-generation family farming operation based in Southern Arizona and growers/shippers of Fair Trade Certified, 100% organic produce. With over 90 years of farming experience, Wholesum has been dedicated to creating a more noble food system that puts people and the planet first through responsible sourcing, equitable labor practices and environmental protection. Through deep industry knowledge and innovation, Wholesum is positioned as leaders in the organic industry and pioneers in Fair Trade produce. More information is available at www.wh.farm.

Contact: Joanna Jaramillo / joannaj@wh.farm / (520) 455-7589