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?

In the 2022 ASTA/SSI Sustainability Symposium, Suzanne Munson, Director of Global Partnerships and Alliances at Heifer International, presented on the topic of "Living Income" as part of a session on the key issues in sustainability for spices. The presentation highlighted Heifer International's work in supporting families across the Americas, Africa, and Asia and their goal of enabling 10 million families to achieve a living income by 2030. The concept of living income was defined as the total net income needed for a dignified life, including adequate food, access to resources, education, healthcare, and savings for emergencies. The presentation also discussed the Green Business Belt Program, which aims to achieve living income through spice supply chains, and provided specific examples from their work in Guatemala. The presentation concluded with an overview of the GBB model, which involves smallholder farmer production, farmer-owned agribusiness, and access to both local and global markets.