REIDSVILLE, GA. — At this year’s Southeast Produce Council’s (SEPC) Southern Innovations, Shuman Farms is highlighting its sustainability efforts and has announced that Broc Davis has been named the company’s new sustainability and operations lead.

“It is important for us to make sure we are putting forth relevant sustainability initiatives that will make a positive impact on our world,” said John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms. “We understand how these actions affect our people, our products, our community and the planet itself. We are fully committed to creating full transparency in all the processes we follow to bring our products to market.”

Davis’s role will involve the research and implementation of sustainability programs that will help Shuman Farms make the biggest difference.

Broc Davis | Source: Shuman Farms

“Broc has been instrumental in many of the programs we currently execute including our farming practices focused on conservation, our company-wide recycling program and continuously finding ways to reduce plastic and cardboard in our packaging,” Shuman said. “He has been able to seamlessly assume his new role, focusing on the priorities that are at the forefront of the sustainability conversation.”

Davis previously served as the operations manager at Shuman Farms for 11 years.

“I look forward to not only finding new solutions, but also helping share the story of our current successes,” said Davis. “We know this is an important topic for consumers and I’m excited to engage in these conversations.”

According to a report from TrendWatching’s Business of People research, 70% of US consumers want to know how companies are addressing social and environmental issues. Of the Generation Z respondents, 72% said they wait to decide on a purchase until after they have researched the brand’s efforts.

“Introducing the next generation of shoppers to produce is sustainability in action,” said Shuman. “They will be the ones buying our products in the future, and we want to engage them as soon as we can to ensure the produce department is the first stop they make when they enter their grocery store.”

“Of course, we also must acknowledge that we have a hunger crisis in our country,” Shuman said. “As farmers and food producers, it is our responsibility to help in any way we can to tackle food insecurity.”

For 20 years, Shuman Farms’ Healthy Family Project has been helping families in need. The organization has raised more than $7.5 million and donated more than 16 million meals to Feeding America, according to the company.

Southern Innovations is being held in Nashville, Tenn. through Sept. 24. Shuman Farms can be found at booth #600.