ASTA partnered with the Sustainable Spice Initiative (SSI) to offer an interactive three-part webinar series in spring 2024 on sustainability essentials, namely, how to define sustainability in the spice industry. The sessions address how sustainability is tied to the economic paradigm and the advantages of embracing sustainability, including its profound impact on financial performance and brand enhancement. The series explores insights into global and U.S. sustainability concerns and why and how ASTA members should prioritize sustainability as a risk management tool and regulatory compliance strategy and offer practical insights into navigating sustainability certifications and industry standards. Part III, Putting Sustainability Into Practice: Certifications and Company Initiatives, was presented by Matthew Ford, Growth Sectors Account Manager, Rainforest Alliance, Daniel Montes, Business Development Executive, Control Union, and Amber Sciligo, Director of Science Programs, The Organic Center. This session addresses the following questions: What is the importance of sustainability certification and verification schemes? What are the most commonly used and recognized sustainability certifications, schemes, and frameworks? What are the commonalities and differences between organic and sustainability certifications and standards? How do you choose the sustainability certifications, standards, and schemes that fit your requirements and business model? Where and how can you start your sustainability journey?

Presented by Jennifer McCadney with Kelley Drye & Warren LLP at the ASTA 2022 Regulatory Workshop on September 12, 2022, this presentation provided an update on agency guidance issued by U.S. Customs & Border Protection and the Forced Labor Enforcement Task Force in connection with the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) to help importers comply with the new law and satisfy its rebuttable presumption. It also will cover distinctions made between UFLPA enforcement and the withhold release order (WRO) process under Section 307, which continues to apply to forced labor-made imports that are not tied to the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region. Finally, it will highlight notable U.S. forced labor enforcement trends ensuing from UFLPA’s June 21 effective date.