What is J.E.D.I?

What we talk about when we talk about justice, equity, diversity and inclusion is building a
natural products industry that centers itself in true belonging.

Justice

Dismantling barriers to resources and opportunities in society so that all individuals and communities can live a full and dignified life.

Equity

Allocating resources to ensure everyone has access to the same opportunities. Equity recognizes that advantages and barriers
—the ‘isms’—exist.

Diversity

All the differences between us based on which we experience advantages or encounter barriers to opportunities. Diversity isn’t just about racial differences.

Inclusion

Fostering a sense of belonging by centering, valuing, and amplifying the voices, perspectives and styles of those who experience more barriers based on their identities.

Why J.E.D.I?

As an industry of innovators and leaders in our food and agricultural systems, we have a vital business challenge facing us – a lack of diversity of human ingenuity, perspective and talent. Unless we work to overcome it, we will not be able to forge breakthroughs into new systems, products and services to best meet the demands of our customers in an increasingly multicultural America. With an industry-wide commitment to justice, diversity, equity and inclusion (J.E.D.I), we can and will attract the best people, the best ideas, and the best way forward toward a more just and prosperous future for all

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“Those in the top quartile for ethnic and racial diversity in management were 35% more likely to have financial returns above their industry mean, and those in the top quartile for gender diversity were 15% more likely to have returns above the industry mean.”

A 2015 McKinsey Report on 366 Public Companies

“U.S. companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on their executive teams have 21% higher financial performance than the national industry median, and a 27% likelihood of outperforming on longer-term value creation.”

McKinsey’s 2018 Delivering Through Diversity Report

“Fostering inclusive environments increases employee engagement and reduces their likelihood of leaving by 87%.”

The Society for Human Resources Management Report

“The economic damage of prejudice is fairly obvious. Prejudice can mean that a job is filled by the wrong person at the wrong time. This is not good for profits or growth. People who are targets of prejudice may have to invest differently as well. This may lead to economically inefficient investing. Prejudice against non-heterosexuals hurts the economy and companies in several ways.”

Paul Donovan
Global Chief Economist GWM

“Progress at closing the gender gap in employment significantly increases GDP, reduced income inequity and leads to higher incomes for men”

Samantha Powers
Former Ambassador to the UN under Obama, in her pulitzer prize winning book The Education of an Idealist

How it Works

In an effort to help you begin to integrate J.E.D.I principles into your organization, we’ve created a framework for this work, packed with
tools, resources and expert solutions providers to guide you along the path. Begin by reviewing commitments under our
three main focus areas: culture, consumer and communities.

Culture

We commit to fostering a J.E.D.I CULTURE where those who have been marginalized are lifted up, heard, part of decision making, and centered in the industry.

Consumer

We commit to reaching a broader CONSUMER base through innovations in product development, branding and marketing, and accessibility

Communities

We commit to helping the COMMUNITIES who are the backbone of our industry thrive
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Industry Impact
The Power of J.E.D.I

The natural products industry is uniquely compelled to lead in J.E.D.I efforts, the kind that lead to the systemic change we need for a vibrant regenerative economy. OSC² and our partners understand that the triple bottom line of people, planet, profit is purpose-driven: to do good business, and to treat others and our planet with dignity and respect.

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Timeline

2019

Launch five company pilots and conduct an industry benchmarking study, and announce J.E.D.I Collaborative Commitment areas

2020

Launch ten Early Adopter companies; host Industry Influencer Summit at Expo West; begin taking J.E.D.I commitments from the industry, and develop online resources to support J.E.D.I Collaborative work

2021

Industry-wide launch of the J.E.D.I Collaborative. 100% of OSC2 companies are working on J.E.D.I commitments.

2025

Natural products companies have made 2,025 J.E.D.I commitments

2030

10,000 J.E.D.I commitments made by natural products industry

“At Nutiva, we believe that inclusion is a state of being valued, respected and supported and we’re proud to focus on the needs of every member of our extensive community – from our staff, to our farmers & processors – to ensure we don’t disregard or ignore differences, but promote individual awareness for fair practices. We strive to embed these key beliefs at every level of our company to ensure that we remain committed to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.”

Steven Naccarato | CEO of Nutiva

“I envision a thriving planet that lives in harmony with one another, and is reflective of the natural world around us, filled with diversity and justice. No matter what race, gender and faith, we rise to embrace and support one another, a co-existence that is beautiful to witness and inspires us to believe in healthy practices for all living systems.”

Ahmed Rahim | CEO of Numi & Co-Founder of OSC2

“As an entrepreneur, I must strive to create the world I want to live in. There’s nothing more important than creating a just, fair, and equitable society, and the natural food industry has the unique opportunity to lead the way in making this a reality.”

Vincent Kitirattragarn | CEO Dang Foods

“Imagine what we as the natural products industry (and, really, we as humans) could create if every person regardless of background, race, gender, faith or experience felt welcome and invited to participate and that their contributions were important and vital. Imagine the problems we could erase, the innovations we could birth, the opportunities we could seed, and the connections we could nurture. Justice, equity, diversity and inclusion work makes this possible.”

Carlotta Mast | Senior Vice President of Content and Market Leader New Hope Network, Informa Health & Nutrition

“There are many proof points demonstrating that more diverse teams not only drive better decisions, but more profits, more growth and significantly more innovation revenue. A more diverse natural products industry is vital to solving food and agricultural system challenges we all face and work hard to address every day.”

Lara Dickinson | Executive Director and Co-Founder OSC² and Co-Founder J.E.D.I Collaborative

“REBBL was founded by a not for profit, Not for Sale, to co-create a future without human trafficking. To do that, we work at the nexus of social and environmental justice and advancing equity, diversity and inclusion is crucial to accomplish this complex and urgent effort. A diversity of perspectives is essential for business innovation and growth, as well as building a just and regenerative economy.”

Sheryl O'Loughlin | Former CEO of REBBL and Clif Bar & Co-Founder J.E.D.I Collaborative

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